The British Prime Minister welcomes F1 to Downing Street for its 75th anniversary

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali met with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary and discuss F1’s role in the UK economy, ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

F1 at Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer hosted Stefano Domenicali, accompanied by Derek Chang, CEO of Liberty Media, along with numerous figures from the F1 world at Downing Street on Wednesday. They met with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sports, Lisa Nandy, as well as several members of parliament.

Also present were several active drivers, including Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Ollie Bearman, and Esteban Ocon, as well as team directors such as James Vowles, Flavio Briatore, Andy Cowell, Jonathan Wheatley, and Ayao Komatsu.

Among the other guests were the leaders of the future Cadillac F1 project, Graeme Lowdon and Daniel Towriss, the director of the F1 Academy, Susie Wolff, accompanied by several drivers, as well as F1 legends like Sir Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill, Martin Brundle, and Jenson Button.

75th anniversary of Formula 1

Stefano Domenicali and Sir Keir Starmer both delivered speeches at the event, which also brought together young engineers, interns, scholarship students, apprentices, and graduates from the ten F1 teams, with Formula 1 currently funding 50 mechanical engineering students through full scholarships at several UK universities.

« A big thank you to the Prime Minister for having invited us here today, in this iconic and historical place », declared Stefano Domenicali.

We have an exceptional week ahead with the British Grand Prix, where nearly half a million fans will come to cheer on their heroes. This country is passionate about Formula 1 and motorsport, and we are very proud of it. 75 years ago, Formula 1 was born here in the UK, at Silverstone in 1950. Since then, it has become a true British institution, with deep roots and a major contribution to the country.

« The United Kingdom is the birthplace of our sport, and we want that to continue; I know that you and your government are committed to it. At the heart of it all, there is an extraordinary sport, passionate fans in the UK and all over the world, and the best drivers fighting for the ultimate prize in motorsport. »

« This is an incredible time to be part of this sport, which has meant so much in my life, and the support from all of you here, as well as that of the Prime Minister, is essential. I think that F1 is an exceptional calling card for this country around the world, and I look forward to what we will build together in the future », he says.

Sir Keir Starmer added: « As Prime Minister, I am very proud of what Formula 1 brings to our country, not just in terms of technology, innovation, or contribution to our economy, nor even the joy it brings to so many people, but also for the soft power and international reputation it offers the United Kingdom. It is extremely important. It is part of ‘Brand Britain.’ And that is why today is not just about celebrating the past 75 years, of which I am very proud, but also serves to talk about the future, to invite you to collaborate with us and to tell us what more we can do as a government to support what you achieve, so that we can continue to celebrate F1, not only by looking to the past, but also for very many years to come. »

F1 plays an essential role in the British economy, with an annual contribution of 12 billion pounds sterling. More than 6,000 people are directly employed there, and it relies on a supply chain of 4,500 companies, representing approximately 41,000 jobs.

Starting next year, 10 out of the 11 F1 teams will have major bases in the United Kingdom, as Sauber announced yesterday the opening of a new technology center in Bicester.

Furthermore, the F1 media and technical center, which produces the international feed and F1 TV broadcasts at each Grand Prix, is based in Biggin Hill, Kent.

The United Kingdom currently has 16.7 million F1 fans, and nearly half a million spectators are expected this weekend at Silverstone.