Why F1 must save the British Grand Prix

Naturally, some races will have to drop off the calendar to allow these new events, with the Spanish and Mexican Grands Prix more likely than others to be lost.

However, the British Grand Prix is not safe yet, but here are five reasons Liberty Media cannot let this happen.

1) The history of Silverstone: The first ever Formula 1 race was held at the Northamptonshire circuit, and it has hosted the third most races of any track in the world, behind only Monza and Monaco. A Grand Prix at Silverstone is an essential for any F1 calendar and it hasn't been off the calendar since 1986, which was the last time Brands Hatch hosted the British Grand Prix.

2) It produces good racing: The final few laps of last year's race show that Silverstone is one of the few tracks left on the calendar than can truly produce great racing when it wants to. The circuit is also a good test of a driver, with corners like Copse, Maggots and Becketts often catching out even the best drivers.

3) Home support: One reason the Dutch GP at Zandvoort has been introduced is as a home race for Max Verstappen. If that's the idea, then there's no way Liberty Media should fail to agree a new deal with Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton is currently pushing claims to be the greatest driver ever, whilst Lando Norris and George Russell are young exciting British talents who have impressed this season.

4) Big crowds: In some venues, F1 has failed to attract big crowds, but at Silverstone, there is always huge support, with over 340,000 people visiting over the 2018 weekend. Without big crowd pullers like the British Grand Prix, F1 could look a bit soulless with small, quiet crowds.

5) Changeable conditions: Wet weather can make some of the most exciting racing, especially if it hits midway through the race. Remember the downpour just minutes before the 2016 race started? There aren't many other circuits based in places where this can happen, so surely we should want as much of it as we can get?

Hopefully F1 will find a deal with Silverstone and the British Grand Prix can continue. But in the meantime, we hope you enjoy the race this weekend and let's wish for it to continue next season and beyond!