Groundhog Day: London Grand Prix returns

Heard the one about a London Grand Prix? Yes, sitting somewhere between death and taxes, the Formula 1 story that always seems to be with us is back on the agenda.

A proposal has been revealed for a Montreal-style FIA Grade 1 circuit based around the Royal Docks in East London, tapping into F1’s current trend for big-city street races. The plan, said to have the backing of London’s City Hall, was revealed as F1 prepared for races in Jeddah, the long-established Albert Park grand prix in the heart of Melbourne, the Baku city circuit in Azerbaijan, followed by the sophomore visit to the suburban Miami Autodrome.

And this is all before what the series bills as “The World’s Most-Anticipated Formula 1 Race” – better known as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November. Vegas represents a new vision for F1, lit in neon and with a pounding soundtrack aimed at a new generation of fans.

Those booking into the Premier Inn London Docklands might not usually find pool parties, sun-kissed balconies or star-filled shows, but the London GP proposals have plenty in common with Las Vegas. Floating modules are proposed to line the waterfront carrying grandstands, food outlets, luxury hotels and entertainment facilities. The ExCel exhibition centre, already home to a Formula E race, is at the heart of the circuit proposal and provides plenty of space for additional experiences.

Details of how it will be funded and whether F1 cars count as ULEZ-compliant remain opaque… but whether the London GP happens or otherwise, the latest plan does not necessarily pose a threat to Silverstone. In theory, two races in the UK could be accommodated given that three will be held in the US this season – although the current British GP deal ends next year, with no word yet on a renewal.