Race fans warned to stay well clear of Silverstone during GP weekends or risk wrecking the F1 season

Police reveal plans to stop petrolheads getting too close to Northamptonshire circuit
Lewis Hamilton will be heading back to for Silverstone next month. Photos: Getty ImagesLewis Hamilton will be heading back to for Silverstone next month. Photos: Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton will be heading back to for Silverstone next month. Photos: Getty Images

The officer in charge of policing next month's two Silverstone Grands Prix is warning fans to stay well clear of the area — or risk wrecking the entire Formula One season.

Event commander Superintendent Dennis Murray confirmed there will be tight controls and an exclusion zone around the Northamptonshire circuit.

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And he told petrolheads to scrap any ideas about trying to get close enough for a sight or even a sound of their heroes in action.

Supt Murray said: "Silverstone has put strict measures in place to minimise infection risk to protect race personnel,event staff and the local community.

"Any uncontrolled gathering of people in the area would not only compromise the event but the entire Formula One season.

"We completely understand fans may be tempted to be close to the circuit for the races but unfortunately that will not be possible this year and access to the local area will be extremely restricted.

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"I am urging fans to enjoy these events from home as it will not be permissible, or in fact possible, to spectate from the perimeter fences.

This was the scene after Hamilton's Silverstone victory in 2019  but no fans will be at the track this yearThis was the scene after Hamilton's Silverstone victory in 2019  but no fans will be at the track this year
This was the scene after Hamilton's Silverstone victory in 2019 but no fans will be at the track this year

"Anybody attempting to do so will be turned away by Silverstone security who will be tightly controlling these areas, or my officers."

Silverstone will host the the British Grand Prix on August 2 — two weeks later that originally scheduled — and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix a week later as part of the revamped F1 calendar.

The 2020 season only started in Austria two weeks ago after being delayed by the global Covid-19 crisis.

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Teams will start arriving from midweek before the race. But no fans will be allowed near the circuit as all staff and drivers such as world champion Lewis Hamiltton — who drives for Brackley-based Mercedes — are kept in a bio-secure bubble to avoid risking spreading the virus.

Any contact with outsiders who then test positive for Covid-19 could lead to drivers having to isolate instead of racing in Grands Prix that follow.

Some road closures usually associated with the event — which attracts around 140,000 people on race day alone — will still be in place.

Supt Murray added: "Though the races are being held behind closed doors, the security measures we are putting in place will be as stringent as ever.

"There will be road closures to prevent gatherings and risk of Covid-19 transmission and fence lines will be scrimmed to prevent people attempting to watch.

"Put simply, please do not attend."