Domenicali to Highlight F1’s £12bn Impact in UK Talks with Starmer

Domenicali to Tell Starmer How Vital Formula 1 Is to UK Economy

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali will meet British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street to highlight the sport’s enormous value to the UK economy and raise concerns over Brexit-related logistical challenges.

The meeting coincides with F1’s 75th anniversary and comes just days before the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where a record crowd of 500,000 is expected.

“UK Is the Heart and Rock and Roll of F1”

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Domenicali called the United Kingdom “the heart and rock and roll of this business,” noting that the UK is home to seven of the current 10 F1 teams and 10 of the 11 teams entering the sport next year. F1’s global headquarters is based in London, and the sport contributes approximately £12 billion annually to the British economy, directly employing over 6,000 people and involving 4,500 supply chain businesses.

“Everything started here in 1950. The first race, the offices, the ecosystem — it’s all rooted in the UK,” Domenicali said.

Brexit Concerns and Visa Hurdles

Domenicali plans to raise specific post-Brexit issues hampering the sport’s operations, including the complications of staff movement and visas between the UK and Europe.

“If you lose that link, then immediately the centre could be moving to other places,” he warned, while making clear that the intention is not to reverse Brexit, but to facilitate smoother operations.

He stressed the need for the UK to remain an attractive hub for engineering talent, stating that current barriers could threaten Britain’s dominance in the sport.

Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals

The F1 chief will also push the sport’s environmental credentials, noting the introduction of new hybrid engines in 2026 that will produce 50% of their power from electricity and run on 100% sustainable fuels. He believes the innovations could have wider transport sector applications and strengthen the UK’s role as a leader in green automotive technology.

Record British GP Attendance Expected

Domenicali confirmed that this weekend’s British Grand Prix will likely draw a record 500,000 fans over four days. However, he issued a stern reminder to organisers at Silverstone to improve traffic and access infrastructure, referencing logistical bottlenecks that plagued last year’s event.

“It is crucial that organisers develop not only fan experience packages but also a solid plan for ingress and egress,” he said.

Despite reiterating his belief that “only Silverstone can host the British Grand Prix,” he added that the venue must not take its place on the calendar for granted.

Contingency Plans Amid Middle East Conflict

Asked about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and potential impacts on the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Domenicali confirmed that F1 has a contingency plan in place, although he refrained from giving specifics.

“I don’t want to even think about it,” he said. “But we are ready to be proactive and reactive if needed.”

He acknowledged that ongoing instability could increase logistical costs but was confident that race promoters remain committed and capable of delivering.