London Grand Prix moves closer as circuit funding secured

Jamie Woodhouse
The Formula 1 logo. France April 2020

The Formula 1 logo at Paul Ricard. France April 2020

Funding and the backing of London mayor Sadiq Khan has been secured to bring Formula 1 to England’s capital, according to a report.

Formula 1 has openly stated its desire to expand the calendar into new markets, with the 2022 schedule featuring a record 23 rounds, including the debut of the Miami Grand Prix.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia will debut in 2021, marking the start of multi-year deals which have been agreed for both nations.

And it appears a second England-based race is on its way, as reported by The Daily Mail.

They state American investment company 777 Partners are working with a sports group in the UK to prepare a brand new race track for a London Grand Prix, which would be based in the City’s East End as part of a new sports and entertainment complex at the Royal Docks.

Khan, the Mayor of London, is said to be fully behind the plans and pushing for a London Grand Prix to join the F1 calendar before the end of his second term in 2024.

The start of sprint qualifying at Monza. Italy September 2021
The start of sprint qualifying at Monza. Italy September 2021

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Josh Wander, founder of 777 Partners, said: “We are hopeful it is coming. We are hugely excited about it.

“There will be an electric atmosphere as the greatest athletes in the world, along with an international fanbase and the world’s largest companies as sponsors, descend on the Docks for race weekend.

“More importantly, we will build a world-class sports and entertainment complex that can serve the community year-round and revitalise the surrounding areas. It’s the type of thing you really can’t quantify until it actually happens, but the impact is dramatic.”

Unmesh Desai, London Assembly member for City and East, added: “It’s about opening up east London. There is so much potential and that’s why Formula 1 want to be involved. They believe in us and we believe in them. It’s a two-way partnership.

“When Formula 1 and other major events come to east London, it will show we are now firmly on the map. I’m more than hopeful. It will happen.”

 

Khan’s aim would reportedly be to ensure a London Grand Prix would be a carbon-neutral event, as well as the first and only grand prix accessible by public transport alone.

The report adds that the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is not under threat, with plans for both Silverstone and this London circuit to feature on the F1 calendar together.

 

Planet F1 verdict

 

London Grand Prix a step closer

Talks surrounding a possible London Grand Prix are intensifying.