British GP 2021 to have full capacity crowd after UK government nod

Formula 1 fans have been allowed in certain events during 2021. However, no race has seen a full capacity crowd just yet. That is set to change with the British GP 2021, as the event will have 140,000 fans at the event. The decision was announced on Thursday.

The British GP took place in 2020, but like other events it was a behind closed doors affair. The race is steeped in F1 history and normally sees fans both casual and hardcore turn up in droves.

Who said what for British GP?

F1 authorities said the event was part of UK’s Event Research Programme that allows for full crowds.

“We are delighted to confirm that the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix 2021 has been included in the latest phase of the UK Government’s Event Research Programme (ERP) allowing a full capacity crowd for the event between 16th – 18th July,” F1 said in an official statement released on Thursday.

“Ticket holders will be asked for either proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of arrival at Silverstone or proof of full vaccination, the second dose having been received at least 14 days prior to the first day of attending the British Grand Prix.

“The Silverstone team will be working closely with the ERP experts and particularly the Director of Public Health in Northamptonshire on the specific conditions of entry that will enable the event to operate safely and will be announcing these details to ticket holders in the next ten days.”

“This is something we have all been working towards for months,” Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle said. I cannot wait to welcome a full capacity crowd back to Silverstone this July.

“Many of our fans rolled their tickets over from 2020. But they are now well placed to enjoy what is sure to be one of the highlights of the summer.

“My thanks go to the Culture Secretary and his team at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for their tireless efforts on behalf of the sports sector, but also the Prime Minister, Michael Gove and the teams in No.10 and the Cabinet Office for recognising what an amazing, safe opportunity the British Grand Prix offers to show the world how Britain has dragged itself back on track following the fight against the pandemic.”

How goes the F1 season thus far?

The 2021 season has been an exciting one for fans thus far. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen are locked in a tight fight for the title.

Hamilton has won two races thus far in the season, while Verstappen has won three. Verstappen currently leads Hamilton in the standings by 12 points.

Indeed, it was the young Dutch driver who won the previous race in France. He would have won at Azerbaijan too if not for a late tyre failure.

Both cars are quick but unlike previous seasons, the Red Bull cars seem to have the edge this time around. That being said, Hamilton can expect a raucous home crowd backing in his home race.