Christian Horner admitted it was a surprise to see Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’ Club activate their break clause in their contract to host the British Grand Prix beyond 2019, and feels it could open the doors to a possible race around the streets of London.
Red Bull Racing boss Horner believes Silverstone showed some naivety by signing the initial contract to host the race, especially if they realise only now that they cannot afford it, and he feels there is a possibility that the circuit will lose the race altogether.
Formula 1’s owners Liberty Media has already made a commitment that there will be a British Grand Prix on the calendar, and with London hosting a Formula 1 event this Wednesday, an actual race in the capital, long touted to happen, is a distinct possibility.
“Silverstone is a wonderful track,” said Horner at Red Bull’s factory on Tuesday. “The teams and the drivers love driving there. Liberty has made a commitment that there will be a British Grand Prix.
“But with this London event happening tomorrow, if that was a success – which hopefully it should be – with the recent legislation changes that are happening in the City of London, one can imagine a London Grand Prix being pretty attractive to the Liberty guys.
“Silverstone needs to be a little bit careful how they handle themselves and negotiate, that they don’t find themselves losing out. I am amazed that they have triggered their break clause.
“Silverstone signed a contract and they knew what they were entering at the time. They have now realised that they can’t afford it despite having a full house every year.
“They either should not have signed it in the first place or they got their maths wrong.”
