Verstappen: I can’t imagine F1 without the British GP

With the future of the British Grand Prix unclear, Max Verstappen backs a push to keep the race at Silverstone on the Formula 1 calendar.

This weekend’s race will be the last British GP under Silverstone’s its current contract after the Northamptonshire track activated a break clause in 2017.

Negotiations remain ongoing between Silverstone and F1 to strike a new deal for 2020, with the key issue being over hosting costs, but a provisional F1 calendar for next year would currently see the British GP omitted for the first time in the sport’s history.

Verstappen says the race at Silverstone is one every driver relishes and hopes to put on a great show at Red Bull’s second home race after winning its first at the Austrian Grand Prix last time out.

“Because our factory is just down the road it is another home race for the team so I hope we can continue our progress and put on a great show for everyone on Sunday,” Verstappen said. “A lot of great, fast corners is what we like and I can’t imagine the calendar without the British Grand Prix.

“I really enjoy Silverstone Circuit because of the high-speed corners, Becketts and Maggots being my favourite, and it’s great fun to drive.

“I also know it pretty well after racing there in F3 before F1. I love to see all the British fans camping and supporting us in the grandstands. There is always a big turnout and they are definitely some of the most passionate F1 fans in the world.”

Verstappen has secured one podium finish at Silverstone in his F1 career when he claimed second place behind Lewis Hamilton in 2016.

Red Bull’s last British Grand Prix victory was taken by Mark Webber in 2012, while engine partner Honda’s most recent win at Silverstone stretches back to 1989 with Alain Prost driving for McLaren.

While negotiations between Silverstone and F1 continue, a new British race has also been speculated around London’s city streets.