Protesters could disrupt the race
The Northamptonshire police (the province where Silverstone is located) has received credible information stating that protesters may attempt to trespass onto the circuit during the Grand Prix.
This wouldn’t be the first time that protesters invade the Silverstone circuit. In 2003, a man appeared on the track while the racecars were speeding by just a few meters away from him. He was apprehended moments after his intrusion.
In 2020, while the Grand Prix was held behind closed doors, a group of people from Extinction Rebellion raised a banner at the start. It demanded immediate action in the face of the climate emergency.
This year, this scene is likely to happen again. The police of the Northamptonshire province has communicated about a possible risk of an invasion of the British circuit by protesters this Sunday. These individuals are asked not to act in order to avoid putting themselves in danger and playing with the safety of the drivers.
Avoid creating a danger.
We have received credible information that a group of protesters was planning to disrupt the 2022 British Formula 1 Grand Prix and potentially invade the track on race day, explains a statement posted by the police.
We want to directly appeal to this group of people. We strongly urge you not to put yourselves, as well as the pilots, the countless officials, volunteers, and members of the public, in harm’s way. Going onto a live race track is extremely dangerous – if you proceed with this reckless plan, you are putting lives at risk.
The statement reminds that protests are a human right acquired by all citizens. However, the police preferred to have discussions with the individuals wanting to invade the track rather than creating a dangerous situation.
