Four people arrested during the British Grand Prix
F1 News
Not only was the end of the British Grand Prix noteworthy, but there was also a commotion just before the start of the race. Four protesters had entered the circuit and were arrested by the police.
Due to the restrictions brought about by coronavirus, only marshals, team personnel and media are allowed to be at the Silverstone circuit. Protesters are not included. It was therefore noteworthy that four members of Extinction Rebellion had entered the track and were rolling out a banner when Formula 1 cars were on the track for the formation lap.
All individuals were detained by security and later arrested by the police. "During the race, Northamptonshire Police were made aware of four people who had been detained by Silverstone security inside the venue perimeter. Officers are working closely with Silverstone Circuit and conducting a full investigation. Four people have been arrested and are in police custody," said the statement from the local police department, Autosport.com reports.
Action for the climate
According to Extinction Rebellion, protesters were not there to disrupt the race: "[we were] not there to interrupt today's race but to send a clear message to millions of viewers: that the world is way off track to stop the climate and ecological emergency and the 2050 net-zero target from the EU and UK government is far too late," the action group said on its website.
It is not the first time protesters have planned action during a Formula 1 race. In 2013, Greenpeace attended the Belgian Grand Prix to protest against Shell, which sponsored the event.