WELCOME
WELCOME
To all spectators here at Silverstone , I would like to extend a warm welcome to the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2024 , the 58th to be held at this iconic circuit since the FIA Formula One World Championship™ was officially formed in 1950 .
With capacity crowds anticipated over all three days , this extraordinary event remains a jewel in the crown of world motorsport , a true highlight of the British sporting summer . With three British drivers on the grid – as well as the majority of the teams being UK-based – there is plenty of homegrown talent for the fans to get behind and support .
As a circuit , Silverstone is a firm favourite with the drivers , with its unique blend of high-speed corners and technical sections constantly challenging them . For us mere mortals watching on , it regularly delivers one of the most thrilling , entertaining and fiercely contested races of the season .
This has been reflected in the last three British Grands Prix , which have been won by three different drivers , from three different teams . The passionate home crowd will no doubt be hoping to see Lando Norris and his in-form McLaren Racing Team make it four from four . Having secured his first-ever Grand Prix win earlier this season in Miami , the British driver is a popular figure and will be hungrier than ever for a return to the top step of the podium .
Fellow British drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate George Russell will also be keen to impress at their home race . Sunday will be Sir Lewis ’ s last British Grand Prix with Mercedes – a race that he and the ‘ Silver Arrows ’ won seven times between 2014 and 2021 – ahead of his move to Ferrari in 2025 .
The winner of this year ’ s race will once again raise the Royal Automobile Club ’ s coveted ‘ Gold Cup ’, the same trophy that has been presented to every British Grand Prix winner since that first-ever race at Silverstone . I wish all of the drivers taking part this weekend , across all of the race series , the very best of luck .
At Motorsport UK and the RAC , we recognise that the British Grand Prix and Silverstone sit at the heart of the UK motorsport industry , providing a vital shop window for high-performance engineering , innovation , and technology development . The UK remains a hub for Formula 1 ® and is a global leader in this high-tech sector , something we are rightly proud of .
My fellow members on the Motor Sport Council and I would also like to thank the unsung heroes of this weekend ’ s racing , the amazing marshals and other volunteer officials , who play an integral role in the smooth running of this magnificent fourday event . We are immensely grateful to them all for their tireless support and for ensuring that motor racing continues to operate in safe hands .
To everyone enjoying this year ’ s FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX , I send my very best wishes for a safe and memorable weekend .
HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO
President of the Royal Automobile Club President of the Motor Sports Council
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