F1 London GP: Stefano Domenicali says city race is unrealistic

Proposed Royal Docks street circuit was backed by Toto Wolff and Christian Horner.

  • Posted: December 15 2021
  • By: Georgina Yeomans
F1 London GP: Stefano Domenicali says city race is unrealistic

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  • London mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly backed a race in the east of the city
  • F1 CEO would rather race in the heart of London

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has ruled out the possibility of a London Grand Prix for the time being.

A possible race in the English capital has long been touted, with Mercedes AMG and Red Bull Racing team bosses Toto Wolff and Christian Horner showing their support. In addition, the city’s mayor Sadiq Khan has backed the event as part of a regeneration project for East London.

However, Domenicali has revealed that London is not on the list of the locations Formula One is currently exploring.

"In life, I always say never say never but we are not here to sell something that is not realistic," he said to the Evening Standard.

"I would say that we already have Silverstone with British support and a unique place. Coming to a city like London would be quite invasive and difficult for the community to manage it."

In November, it was revealed that Florida-based investment firm 777 Partners was working with an unnamed UK sports group to gain approval for the construction of a new street race circuit at London’s Royal Docks.

Despite this, Domenicali has stated that he would rather have Formula One race in the heart of the city.

He added: "I wouldn’t go in this direction. When you think of something so prestigious, you need to be in the heart of the city. Otherwise, you devalue it. I don’t think that is realistic to think in the short term that this could happen.

"I see more of a possibility in the future is to have a fan demonstration within the city but hosting a race in such an incredible city as London I don’t see is possible to happen, at least in the short term."

Domenicali is also eager to retain a presence in the capital, where Formula One’s headquarters are currently based.

"London has been part of Formula One," he said. "Formula One was born here so I wouldn’t see any other place where you can see the same home town for Formula One.

"We’re in the heart of London and we breathe that as part of our DNA."