F1: Greater London could host Britain’s second grand prix

Formula 1’s head of motorsport Ross Brawn says a new race could be held in Greater London, but it would not replace the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

It was previously reported that a street race in the UK capital was a possible option, but Brawn has ruled out that idea. The London Evening Standard says F1 bosses are now looking at the possibility of hosting a grand prix on the outskirts of the capital.

Silverstone’s contract for the British GP expires next year but it’s hoped that a new deal can be agreed. Brawn says that even with doubts over Silverstone’s future a new London race would not replace it, but be an addition to the F1 calendar.

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“I think because F1 is a week-long activity minimum, the disruption it would cause in the centre of London would be unacceptable,” Brawn told the Standard.

“I don’t think Londoners really need to worry about us taking over the centre of London for a week. But there are things on the periphery that are being explored - not slap-bang in the centre of London, but Greater London.

“We’d like to see London complement Silverstone, not replace it. We could see ways we could make it work both sides. London is an iconic city with a massive history in the sport and there’s huge enthusiasm here.”

Important year for McLaren

Woking-based McLaren insist that while 2019 is an important year for the team they are being cautious ahead of the new season.

In the 2018 campaign McLaren suffered “one of the worst seasons in their history” says the BBC. However, with Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne moving on, a new driver line-up will race in McLaren colours as British rookie Lando Norris partners Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: “There is a lot of cautious optimism but we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. We’ve done that before and we’re not going to make the same mistake twice.

“We have done things differently [in post-season]. Everyone is working well together so it feels like a more quiet confidence but we’re on our toes. We know this is an important year for us to show progress and that comes with some exciting nervous energy.”