Why F1 bosses were ‘not happy at all’ after British Grand Prix ‘chaos’ this year

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Last month, Silverstone delivered perhaps the best Formula 1 race of the season so far. Lewis Hamilton claimed his first victory since the end of 2021 after a dry/wet/dry epic.

Hamilton started second behind Mercedes teammate George Russell after the Silver Arrows locked the front row. Russell controlled the first stint of the race, but the seven-time world champion wiped out his margin when the rain started to fall.

He executed a move on the Hangar Straight, only for the two McLarens to come alive and surge into first and second. Piastri’s delayed stop for intermediate tyres dropped him out of contention, while Russell retired with a mechanical issue.

That set up a three-way duel between Hamilton, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen for victory. Norris held the lead but made the wrong slick tyre choice and went long in his box at his final stop, which dropped him behind his compatriot and into the clutches of Verstappen.

The reigning world champion threatened to snatch victory in the final laps but Hamilton just about held on to claim one of the most emotional wins of his 17-year F1 career. He was audibly crying as he communicated with his team on the radio after crossing the line.

The British Grand Prix has consistently been one of the most entertaining events in recent seasons. Circuit bosses signed a huge 10-year deal with F1 back in February.

F1 bosses were furious over British Grand Prix traffic delays this year

According to BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson, organisers need to be wary despite agreeing a long-term contract. They incurred the wrath of senior F1 figures after ‘traffic chaos’.

It took ‘hours’ for them to leave the circuit and return to their hotel. The sport is determined to ensure that this doesn’t become a lasting theme.

If Silverstone officials can’t decisively address the issue, then it could affect their relationship with their negotiating partners, as well as creating bad publicity. That could eventually put the race’s future in doubt.

“Even Silverstone needs to be careful,” Benson wrote. “It was the scene of traffic chaos again this year, bringing back bad memories from the past.

“There were problems leaving the track on both Friday and Sunday, and many senior F1 figures and media were caught up in jams for hours. F1 was not happy at all, and wants to make sure that does not happen again.”

When does every F1 circuit’s contract run out?

The Dutch Grand Prix could fall off the calendar in 2026 as it reaches the end of its contract. Bordering Belgium faces the same threat, with just one year left on its deal.

Monaco, Monza, Imola, Shanghai and Las Vegas all need to renegotiate too if they wish to stay on the calendar beyond 2025. The Mexican GP is in the same boat, which may be why Liberty Media wanted Sergio Perez to stay at Red Bull.

Austin and Barcelona are both confirmed for the next two years, while there’s no immediate threat to Singapore (2028), Suzuka (2029), Interlagos, Spielberg, Yas Marina or Jeddah (all 2030). Montreal, Miami (both 2031), Qatar, Hungary (both 2032), Bahrain (2036) and Australia (2037) are on the longest deals.

The F1 calendar has expanded to a record 24 races and there is considerable interest from new venues too. Perez ‘sees very little’ of his children under these demands, and many of his competitors will be in the same boat.