Plans for a potential Formula One London Grand Prix have developed further as part of a redevelopment proposal from the LDN Collective and consultancy firm DAR.
Confirmed:
- The London Grand Prix would run in conjunction with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone
- Planned capacity of 95,000 at a site in London Docklands
- The pitlane would run along the first-floor servicing and loading deck of the Excel centre, which has hosted Formula E's London event since 2021
Context: Rumours of a London Grand Prix have floated around for some time, with Bernie Ecclestone giving the idea serious consideration before Liberty Media's takeover. Reports emerged last year that Florida-based investment firm 777 Partners was backing the construction of a street circuit based in the Royal Docklands, but Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has ruled out the possibility of a race any time soon.
Comment: Max Farrell, chief executive of the LDN Collective, told Autosport: “We know that Formula One is interested in hosting a Grand Prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations.
“We have discussed the proposals with the [Greater London Authority], who are developing a water strategy and planning framework with Newham Council, which we hope to align with. With or without F1, these proposals are transformational and would be a huge boost to London and the UK globally, as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Consequence: When Silverstone signed its latest race contract in 2019, it negotiated protective clauses to prevent any competition from a potential London Grand Prix. But, with the contract expiring in 2024, Liberty Media may not grant the same luxury again if this redevelopment proposal gathers momentum.