MPs hold crisis talks with Formula 1 bosses in bid to save British GP

Chase Carey likely told the MPs to cough up some money or you lose the race

MPs have held last-ditch meetings with Formula 1 bosses over the British Grand Prix, which takes place for the final time next weekend.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Formula 1 – dormant until last month – includes DUP chief whip Jeffrey Donaldson, Ian Paisley, son of Ireland’s former First Minister, and Lord Hain, Europe Minister under Tony Blair.

They met F1’s chief executive Chase Carey and Motorsport UK chairman David Richards. MPs said they wanted to ‘ensure that the British Grand Prix is a success’.

Silverstone pays a £17million annual fee to host the race. It is owned by the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), a group of more than 800 motor sport luminaries including Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton.

But the BRDC made losses of £51.3million over the six years to 2017. A lack of Government support has been blamed. F1’s owner Liberty Media is eyeing a race in London. Daily Mail