Motorsports
Consequences of Brexit: Formula 1 teams hope for government help
The Red Arrows, the British Air Force (Royal Air Force) aerobatic squadron before the start of the race. photo
© Frank Augstein/dpa
Seven teams sit in England – out of ten. Traveling has become an even greater logistical challenge for them since Brexit. They rely on political concessions.
The majority of Formula 1 teams are struggling with the aftermath because of their seats in England Brexits. And the travel-intensive racing series hopes for help and concessions from politicians.
At a meeting of the seven teams concerned and Formula 1 Managing Director Stefano Domenicali, among others, with the Minister of Culture Lucy Frazer, who is also responsible for sports, during the week it was more about the economic importance of the British Grand Prix.
At Silverstone, however, Williams team boss James Vowles lamented the bureaucratic hurdles that the teams have been facing since the United Kingdom left the European Union. Since January 1, 2021, Great Britain is no longer part of the EU internal market and the EU customs union.
“The government was open to our concerns”
They would currently fill out several hundred so-called carnets in order to ship and deliver parts. This is a customs document for the temporary importation of goods. Vowles described logistical issues for teams based in England as a result of Brexit changes. In addition to Williams, there are Alpine, Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and also Haas, which has a base on the island in addition to its headquarters in the USA.
“They understand where British motorsport is. They support it,” said Vowles, reporting a very good conversation at 10 Downing Street. As far as he knew, it was also the first time that they had actually spoken to the government . “And the government was very open to our concerns.” In the coming year, Formula 1 is planning a record calendar with 24 races, which will increase the number of trips again.