“There has got to be something in Britain. It’s the most important race of the year,” said Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton amidst doubts about the future of the race.
Circuit owners British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) is mulling over a break clause in its 17-year contract because of higher costs.
Over £17m is needed for this year’s race, owing to a five per cent escalator in the contract signed in late 2009.
BRDC chairman John Grant told reporters that a decision regarding the matter is expected in mid-July.
Hamilton, who is on part to be the first four-peat race winner, pled for the continuation of the race.
“In terms of what the points represent, it’s the same as every race, but just being in the beautiful countryside, and the support you get from the British fans, it’s an amazing event that people love to come to.
The Mercedes speedster brushed up on the legacy of the grand prix in saying, “It’s that important part of the British racing heritage and it’s the place where we really get to showcase it. The UK is the home of motorsport and we’ve got such great and incredible heritage.”
Silverstone is not state-supported although it is among crowd-drawers in the grand prix season, pulling 139,000 fans on race day. The outfit finds it difficult to turn a profit on the event due to narrows margins on the hosting contract.
Liberty Media wants to keep a British race, said new F1 Chase Carey in January, but did not assure a return to Silverstone.
