‘The offer is in’ - Silverstone CEO confirms Britain could host second F1 Grand Prix in 2026
Silverstone Circuit has put itself forward to host a second Formula 1 Grand Prix this season, amid doubts over several races in the Middle East going ahead as scheduled.
But is it actually possible?
The events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, due to take place in April, were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the nearby Iran. Albeit still in the calendar, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races could follow suit if safety fears continue.
Silverstone, remaining on the F1 calendar until at least 2034 after signing a new long-term deal, is a potential venue to replace any future cancelled races, says CEO Stuart Pringle.
“I have offered,” Pringle boldly confirmed to Sky News, reflecting on Silverstone hosting twice in a single season before, in 2020.
“We stepped in during Covid and we were able to help F1. If that would help (doing it again), of course we will.”
If Silverstone was to host a second race this year, it would have to fit into a small window in late November or early December.
Given that time of year is typically cold and wet in Northamptonshire, and daylight hours would be severely limited, it seems unlikely that it would be possible. But never say never, Pringle suggests.
“There are numerous practicalities that need to be considered. The offer is in, they know where we are and we can move quickly if asked,” Pringle explained.
“I pride myself on not having spare windows, but everything is movable in a crisis.”
A more plausible scenario might be if the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 were to be postponed due to an exacerbation of the conflict. But even then, a decision would need to be made sooner rather than later.
It’s not just a case of plonking 22 cars and 11 teams in Towcester. Welcoming a second race, whether that be in September or early winter, would present a logistical minefield.