In a bid to alleviate the repercussions of Brexit, Formula 1 teams and officials have approached the British government, urging for measures to ease their operations.
Last week, a prominent F1 delegation, including influential figures like Stefano Domenicali, Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Martin Brundle, was warmly received at 10 Downing Street for a meeting with sport minister Lucy Frazer.
The significance of this appeal stems from the fact that seven out of the ten F1 teams are based in the United Kingdom.
Correspondent Jean-Michel Desnoues sheds light on the delegation’s message to the British government, emphasising the difficulties they have encountered since the withdrawal from the European Union (EU).
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Otmar Szafnauer, the team principal of Alpine, owned by Renault and with a presence in both the UK and France, shared insights from the meeting, stating, “We had a good meeting with the Government and asked them to support motorsport in general.”
Szafnauer acknowledged that the movement of personnel posed the greatest concern.
He expressed hope that the government would extend similar accommodations made for the entertainment industry to Formula 1, saying, “They made accommodations with the entertainment industry, and I think they’ve said, ‘We should also look at Formula 1 in the same way.'”
Szafnauer highlighted the challenges faced by the sport due to the current procedures surrounding the transportation of car parts between the UK and EU.
He added, “With the parts on our cars, each time we go back and forth it’s problematic.
“It’s not effective.
“It was much better before Brexit.”
The implications of Brexit have had a tangible impact on various industries, and the F1 community is not immune to these challenges.
The appeal made by the teams and officials underscores their plea for the government’s assistance in minimising disruptions and ensuring the smooth functioning of the sport.
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As F1 continues to be a global spectacle, facilitating the movement of personnel and equipment between countries is vital for its success.
While specific details regarding the measures proposed to the British government have not been disclosed, the meeting at 10 Downing Street signifies a collaborative effort to find solutions beneficial to both Formula 1 and the UK.
The delegation’s visit serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the government and key industries, especially during times of significant change and transition.