Seven arrests after the invasion of the track at Silverstone
Protesters stormed onto the Silverstone track during the British Grand Prix. They were arrested by the police.
The action could have taken a turn for the worse. During the first lap of the British Grand Prix, a group of protesters managed to reach the track to demonstrate. However, this did not disrupt the race as a red flag was waved following Guanyu Zhou’s accident at the first turn.
Despite the police’s certainties, members of the activist group Just Stop Oil (who fight against the use of fossil fuels by the United Kingdom) still took action, despite the demands of the policemen warning that it could endanger lives. Indeed, the lives of the protesters, drivers, and officials were in danger during this action.
Detention
(I am really disappointed that this group ignored our warnings before the race and made the incredibly dangerous decision to enter the track. We offered to organize a peaceful event at the circuit, but they instead chose to endanger the lives of the drivers, officials, and volunteers. It is incredibly disappointing that anyone can make the decision to do this,” lamented Tom Thompson, who was leading the police forces during the British Grand Prix.)
Tom Thompson adds that the seven individuals who entered the circuit have all been arrested and placed in custody. The behavior of these people did not sit well with the CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, who claims that it was ridiculous to see.
(e) Everyone has the right to express themselves on various matters, but no one has the right to put lives at risk. The actions of a small group of people today were completely irresponsible and dangerous. We thank the police for their great work and should not be complacent about the risk this posed to the safety of the drivers, officials, fans, and individuals themselves, he added on the Sky Sports F1 microphone.
This is not the first time that Silverstone has been subject to protests. In 2003, a man wearing a kilt stormed onto the track. Two years ago, a group of environmental activists unfurled a banner while the race was supposed to take place behind closed doors due to the health situation.
