Hamilton defends Verstappen: Silverstone has 'hugely expensive' tickets
Eight-time British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about the ticket prices at his home race, labelling them as 'hugely expensive' for fans. Managing director of Silverstone, Stuart Pringle, has come under fire recently for saying that Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominance is why fans are not flocking to the legendary circuit this year. Home hero Lewis Hamilton says that this is not the case. Instead, it is ticket prices fans are unable to afford.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Pringle said: "If there is a strong likelihood of the same winner, and the jeopardy is taken out of the sport, it does take the edge off it. Last year was very repetitive in terms of one team dominated and they set off this season in the same vein." In his perspective, Verstappen is the reason why organisers have struggled to fill grandstands this year. A weekend general admission ticket for this year's British Grand Prix costs a whopping £349.
On media day in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton was asked about Silverstone's new 10-year deal with Formula 1
Silverstone has 'to watch ticket prices', says home hero Hamilton
"It's an incredible event. So many fans come and have a great weekend. The only thing I would ever say is that we have to watch ticket prices. I think they're continuing to rise. The cost of living nowadays, I think, is too high. Of course, it's wrong of me to say that, but I'm just thinking from the perspective of a fan. It's hugely expensive. So I think it's looking into ways where we can make better accessibility for people." Concluded Hamilton, who last won at Silverstone in 2021.
Max Verstappen hit back at the organisers of the British Grand Prix, too. The Dutchman said: "If a promoter can't fill the seats and they blame it on someone, then I think they first have to look at themselves with their own eyes." The British Grand Prix takes place on July 7 and concludes the European triple header, which begins at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.