After the shocking events that unfolded last year, the historic Silverstone circuit was under immense vigilance throughout the 2023 British Grand Prix weekend. Furthermore, the persistently incoming threats forced the FIA to place over 100 additional marshals, maximizing security to prevent protesters from entering the track. Now, amidst growing fear, George Russell has urged for a resolution.
Last year’s British GP witnessed one of the scariest moments in the history of Formula 1, as several ‘Just Stop Oil’ protesters barged onto the track, demanding the ban of motor racing altogether. Indeed, there could’ve been far more horrifying repercussions with cars racing around 200mph.
Silverstone protest #silverstone #BritishGP #protest pic.twitter.com/gDfIwRKTDo
— James Swanson (@Ilovecats363829) July 3, 2022
However, Guanyu Zhou’s timely crash around turn 1 proved to be a blessing in disguise, as the red flags were instantly out and the marshals earned a golden opportunity to clear out the circuit. While this year may have prevented a repeat of 2022, there is no guarantee that this won’t happen ever again in the future.
Hence, seeking an end to the growing controversy, Russell, also the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has offered to elaborate the protesters on F1’s plan of action for sustainability over the next 6 years.
George Russell proposes resolution for protesters amid growing anxiety
As reported by RacingNews365, Russell reacted to the threat that was revolving around Silverstone throughout the weekend. “We put our trust and faith in F1 and Silverstone,” he said. “I think there’s 100 extra marshals around this weekend to try and stop anybody running onto the track.”
“We’re all open and free to cast our views, but doing it on a live F1 track is pretty irresponsible and it shouldn’t be dangerous. Not only [protesters] but drivers and marshals who are potentially running after people.”
Furthermore, Russell urged the protesters to take a look at F1’s sustainability goal for 2030, which could potentially be game-changing. “We’re going to 100% sustainable fuels in the future, we’re doing a huge push on the sustainability front and I think it would only be fair for them to have a look and see what we’re doing,” Russell said.
“Even open conversations with us before recklessly running onto a circuit when we’re driving past at 200mph.”
While Russell is open to having a conversation, how are the protesters going to react to this? Will the Mercedes F1 driver finally come to a consensus with them? Only time will tell.