31 March 2023 , 10:44
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Stefano Domenicali admitted he is open to the idea of a 'London Grand Prix' – but talks over such an event are yet to begin with Formula 1 chiefs.
Earlier this month, plans emerged for a race in the UK capital which would also involve a rejuvenation of the city's Docklands area. The idea of a London race has existed for a long time but, with F1 considering all options for new venues, the idea is beginning to gather pace.
Environmentalists LDN Collective and DAR, a consultancy firm, propose a 3.64-mile street circuit which would be fast with lots of long straights broken up by chicanes. LDN Collective chief executive Max Farrell declared that "the political will is there" to make the idea become reality.
F1 is not short of potential options for new circuits on top of the 23 which will host a race this year. But Domenicali appeared excited by the prospect of a race in London as he was asked about it while chatting to Sky Sports.
"Why not?" he replied when asked about a London Grand Prix. He added: "It would be great – I think London has other priorities maybe to tackle, but of course there will be a great project and we will be ready to discuss it."
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He also joked that London is where F1's main offices are sited, which would make it "an easy commute" for himself and other executives to travel to the race. Domenicali also clarified that no concrete discussions have taken place "so far".
It is not yet known whether such an event would come into the race calendar alongside the existing British Grand Prix, or replace it. Silverstone's place on the F1 schedule is safe up to an including the 2024 season and the circuit has a lot of historical value to the world championship, so another extension seems to be on the cards.
The significance of Silverstone to F1 is such that it would take an incredible proposal from elsewhere for F1 chiefs to even consider moving away from the circuit. Not to mention, it is unlikely any other venue would be ready for 2025, making a British GP extension all the more likely.
Meanwhile, plenty of discussions are always happening in the background regarding potential new hosts as countries and cities around the world look to cash in on the F1 boom. A return to South Africa may be on the cards, while Domenicali personally flew to Colombia late last year to discuss a potential 'Caribbean Grand Prix'.
A street circuit in Madrid has also been proposed in recent times. Plus, despite three races per year already taking place in the USA, there is the potential for more with New York City touted as a potential host in the future.