Hamilton: British GP must stay

Lewis Hamilton has insisted the British Grand prix must remain part of the Formula One calendar calling it “the most important race of the year”.

Despite regularly attracting the biggest crowds of the F1 season – last year’s event saw 139,000 spectators come through the gates on race-day – increased costs, including a five per cent escalating payment built into the deal struck with the sport’s governing body in 2009, has meant Silverstone struggles to break even from hosting the race.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club chairman John Grant confirmed in January that a decision on whether they would activate a break-clause in their contract would be made in mid-July.

With the British GP taking place in two weeks’ time, the four-time winner of the race has called for it to remain on the F1 calendar.

"There has got to be something in Britain. It's the most important race of the year," Hamilton said.

"In terms of what the points represent, it's the same as every race, but just being in the beautiful countryside, and the support you get from the British fans, it's an amazing event that people love to come to.

"It's that important part of the British racing heritage and it's the place where we really get to showcase it. The UK is the home of motorsport and we've got such great and incredible heritage."

Should F1 leave Silverstone it remains to be seen if the British GP will disappear from the sport or if one of the other tracks such as Brands Hatch or Donnington Park can strike a deal to host it.

Image: Getty/Mark Thompson

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