The Formula 1 race at Silverstone in the 2022 season began with a violent rollover by Guanyu Zhou in the first corner, but the crashed Alfa Romeo was not the only hot topic. At the same time, climate demonstrators stormed the route on the Wellington Straight and had to be removed by security personnel. McLaren driver Lando Norris also expects protests in 2023 and settles accounts with the demonstrators.
“It’s very selfish what happened last year,” says Norris, who fears an accident with personal injury. “Just think of the consequences for the driver of the race car if something happens. I’m very concerned because it’s really foolish to put yourself and your life at risk when there are cars driving around.”
The McLaren driver does not condemn the protests themselves, because he considers freedom of expression to be an important asset. But he says, “There are good and bad ways to do it.” Climate protesters have disrupted several sporting events across the island, including the World Snooker Championships, Rugby finals and also a 2023 cricket test match to draw attention to climate change.
Formula 1: Hamilton sees “many other ways”
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton supports the group calling for an end to fossil fuels but also warns of dangerous protests at Silverstone, supporting Norris. “I’m not worried because Silverstone will do everything possible to avoid such situations. I hope they are smart enough not to do something like this again.”
Hamilton says there are “many other ways” to raise awareness, and he hopes the group will use these peaceful and harmless means to further their cause. “I support that as long as the right path is taken.” He also hopes that the race track will remain taboo, because an accident, according to Hamilton, would also have “major consequences” for the driver involved.
In Germany, there have also been protests at motorsport events. Most recently, activists climbed over the fence to disrupt the Formula E race at Berlin’s former Tempelhof Airport. There was massive criticism there because low-emission electric cars are used in Formula E and the demonstrators put themselves and the drivers at risk.