British Grand Prix has ‘run out of road’

The British Grand Prix could be rubbed off the Formula One calendar after Silverstone’s owners triggered a break clause in its contract yesterday, claiming they have “run out of road”.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns the Northamptonshire circuit, gave notice of its intent to leave its current deal in 2019, after revealing losses of almost £8m (€8.9m) over the last two years.

Nearly 140,000 spectators watched triple world champion Lewis Hamilton claim his third consecutive win at Silverstone last year. And a near sell-out crowd is expected again this weekend as Hamilton bids to reduce Sebastian Vettel’s 20-point lead at the summit of the championship.