“Not taking these risks lightly,” Silverstone chief explains how popular circuits are becoming “soft targets” for protesters
The Silverstone management will take preventive measures to avoid protests on track this season.
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Silverstone Circuit. Image via ADI.tv.
The 2022 British Grand Prix could have ended up being one of the darkest days in Formula 1. There were two reasons, Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu’s life-threatening crash and the track invasion by protesters. Six environmental activists invaded the track in the name of protest. Thankfully, the cars had slowed down due to the red flag brought out by Zhou’s crash.
The cars passed the protesters on the Wellington Straight. It was a reckless move by the demonstrators as they risked their lives. They were then arrested. Earlier this month, the Grand National was delayed due to protesters from Animal Rising, an animal rights group. Similarly, the World Snooker Championship was interrupted by Just Stop Oil protesters. There are concerns that other events might also face the wrath of the protesters. Silverstone managing director, Stuart Pringle is taking measures to avoid such incidents in 2023.
Pringle spoke to Motorsport.com, “I don’t in any way take this risk lightly. I’d be surprised if there wasn’t some degree of correlation between the protest at Silverstone and people who think it would be a good idea to go and have a crack at Aintree [Grand National] and get their own message in there. It’s people knowing there are lots of eyeballs on sports. Where else can you do it?”
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Silverstone director reveals they are working closely with the police
Stuart Pringle added, “Sports venues as a whole are, relatively speaking, softish targets with quite a high reward for the risk that the individuals are taking on. It’s just something we have to deal with as sports promoters. But we will work hard to make sure that people’s fun is not spoilt again this year. They’re only doing it because there are a hundred million people watching around the world.”
Pringle believes there are lessons to be learned. He said events like the 1987 track invasion to embrace Nigel Mansell had preventive measures. The Silverstone Managing director revealed they had done a massive internal review post last season after the invasion. The management is working closely with the police again this season. As Formula 1’s popularity is on the rise, it makes venues like the Silverstone Circuit a target for the protesters.
The Silverstone director reminded everyone of the 2022 Everton Vs Newcastle Premier League match. A protester tied himself to the goal post to protest against UK’s involvement with new oil fields in the North Sea. It has become a trend to have demonstrations in sports arenas to gain attention. The Silverstone organisers are working to ensure that this does not happen during the Formula 1 race. The Silverstone GP is scheduled for the 9th of July.
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