Plans for F1 in London revealed
Source: LDN Collective/DAR
In the last few years, we have seen the Formula One circus travel to many well-known cities. What’s even more impressive is that the pinnacle of motorsport is able to race on the streets of some of the world’s most exciting locations such as Singapore, Las Vegas, and Melbourne. However, another major city might be about to host a Formula One race — London!
With the continued success of Drive To Survive and the countless fans it attracts with every season, Formula One has become a huge success in the US, a market that was once thought to be untouchable. Having conquered the US, F1 could set its sights on a potential race on the other side of the pond.
An F1 race in London has been at the back of many people’s minds. Seeing the popularity of F1 in the UK, it would surely be a no-brainer. Well, you’re in luck.
What will the track look like?
The new proposal was put forward by the LDN collective, a group of environmentalist experts, and the consultancy firm DAR. The plans state that a rae in London could become a reality as soon as 2026, just in time for the next set of technical regulations to roll in.
The track would be located at East London’s Royal Docks. This is particularly important as there are plans in place to redevelop this area so that cycling and running lanes can be installed which, when removed, would reveal an FIA-grade track surface for the cars to race on.
Floating modules will also be placed on the water to provide space for grandstands with an estimated capacity of 95,000, food stalls, and entertainment venues. These are easily replaceable and will be swapped with libraries. hotels, and parks when there isn’t any racing taking place.
Source: LDN Collective/DAR
The high-speed track is said to be similar to Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. This 3.64-mile track would have 22 corners and features long straights and chicanes, allowing drivers to travel at an average speed of 127mph along London’s Docklands. The idea of many heavy braking zones could invite many overtaking opportunities.
The provisional pitlane is also quite unique with the designs showing plans for it to be situated on the first-floor loading deck of the ExCeL, which is the current venue of Formula E’s London ePrix. This elevated pitlane could result in a grandstand being placed in the middle of the track and the pitlane, allowing for a completely immersive viewing experience.
The venue is part of a £250 million redevelopment of the Royal Dock’s area and will include doubling the width of the 10-metre wide embankment so that it can house this exciting project. The location is a pretty convenient one too as it’s served by four DLR stations.
Source: LDN Collective/DAR
Max Farrell, CEO of LDN Collective had this to say: “We know that Formula 1 are interested in hosting a Grand Prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations.
“We have discussed the proposals with the GLA (Greater London Authority), who are developing a water strategy and planning framework with Newham Council, which we hope to align with.”
“With or without F1, these proposals are transformational and would be a huge boost to London and the UK globally.”
The London Grand Prix everyone forgot about
There have been multiple attempts to bring Formula One to London.
The first ever F1 Live show took place in London in 2017 with cars roaring down the streets of nearby Whitehall with nearly the entire grid attending the event. The show was a warmup for the British Grand Prix, which could be the case for the potential London Grand Prix.
In 2012, Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 chief, had a wild vision to have cars racing past Buckingham Palace amongst other famous London landmarks. He was even prepared to pay upwards of £35 million to make this idea happen. Alas, this idea never materialised but Santander cashed in on the London GP craze and revealed a 3.1-mile track with 14 corners.
Source: Santander/Populous
British F1 greats Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were extensively consulted on the track and planners took their thoughts into consideration. Of course, those plans fell through and the London Grand Prix by Santander remains just an interesting concept.
The Crystal Palace Grand Prix — London’s forgotten circuit
The Crystal Palace circuit, located in South London, was opened in 1927 and brought wheel-to-wheel racing right to the bustling capital city. Non-championship F1 races were held there as well as Formula 2, Formula 3, and BTCC.
Motorcycles were raced on the track initially until cars were allowed ten years later. In 1937, the first race took place, with Prince Bira winning the race. That name might sound familiar as Prince Bira was the first ever F1 driver from Thailand. This was also the first-ever televised motor race, broadcasted by the BBC.
During World War 2, the venue and its surroundings were used by the Ministry of Defense. The track wouldn’t be used until 1953 when smaller racing series used the 1.6-mile long track.
Source: Christopher Hilton / Last Survival of Crystal Palace Motor Racing Circuit
The main reason why cars stopped racing on this track was due to safety. The track layout was revised and more safety measures were introduced but this wasn’t enough. A lap with an average speed of 100mph was set in 1970 by F1 world champion Jochen Rindt. But it was clear that racing around a park at those speeds just wasn’t safe.
The final meeting at the track was held in 1972 and the track hasn’t been used in an official motor race ever since. Smaller motoring events do take place at the venue but it’s largely a relic of the past with safety measures being the limiting factor.
Will the plans be approved?
With London becoming a hub for environmentally-friendly initiatives, it’s no surprise that F1 wants to cash in on the hype. What might be an issue is the growing concern that F1 is too concentrated on new tracks that old ones are being left out. Following the cancellation of this year’s Chinese Grand Prix, many fans were confused why F1 didn’t make an effort to organise a race at Portimão, Hockenheim, or even Mugello.
Whether this race gets approved or not will depend on the FIA’s decision which will most likely be announced soon. Will this be an amazing addition to the calendar or is this just another street track?
We’ll be covering it all, here on Race Reaction.
