Brawn: F1 cannot leave Silverstone behind

Formula 1 boss Ross Brawn is confident a new deal will be struck out to secure the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone beyond next season but admits frustrations at the public negotiations.

Last year Silverstone owners the British Racing Drivers’ Club triggered a contract clause which will see the 2019 British GP as its final race of the current deal.

Spiralling hosting costs charged by F1 were given as the reason behind the move while both sides are looking for a new agreement to ensure the Northamptonshire circuit stays on the race calendar.

Over 140,000 fans attended Silverstone on race day for the British GP, making it one of the highest attended events on the F1 calendar, which F1 managing director for motorsport Brawn feels can’t be lost by the sport.

“I’m sure we’re going to find a solution with Silverstone because we cannot leave this behind,” Brawn told Sky Sports F1.

“The frustration is the negotiations are taking place in public as every circuit we deal with, we do it quietly and get on with it. But for some reason Silverstone chooses to make everything public which causes more difficulties. But we’ll find a solution.”

Silverstone pulled out of its current deal, secured by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, which saw the promoter’s fee rise by five percent each year. The 2017 race cost the circuit owners £16.2m to host which Silverstone explained as financially unsustainable for the track.

“Silverstone is a special event on the calendar and we want to do all we can to ensure it stays on the schedule for a long time,” Brawn added in a post-British Grand Prix release. We are working hard with the BRDC to try to reach an agreement that is satisfactory for both parties and we’re doing it methodically, sensibly and without fanfare.

“It’s always better to work out this kind of arrangement behind closed door and away from sensational headlines. There’s still plenty of time to work things out, without having to rush or to succumb to media pressure.

“The British Grand Prix is one of the four races that featured in the first year of the world championship back in 1950 and we want it to stay there for the long term, as this is one of the true homes of motorsport. When there will be something to announce, we will be the first to do so and the fans, the sport’s most important asset, will be the first to know.”

While F1 is eager to retain the British Grand Prix and Silverstone, a recent surge in interest in a London city street race has also increased following a law change to allow motorsport events in the capital using closed public roads.

Silverstone has led a number of circuits seeking a cheaper deal for hosting F1 including Azerbaijan’s Baku City Circuit and Germany’s Hockenheim, the latter welcoming the sport on alternate years.