Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer isn’t exactly known for race cars. But this week, he played hosts to some of the fastest names in F1. To mark Formula 1’s 75th anniversary and ahead of the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone; Downing Street welcomed a high-powered group of motorsport figures to Number 10.
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Among the guests: CEO Stefano Domenicali, Liberty Media President Derek Chang, current drivers like Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, plus legends including Sir Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and Jenson Button.
The event wasn’t just a meet-and-greet. It carried a tone of national significance. Formula 1 after all is deeply British at its core. From 2025, 10 out of 11 F1 teams will have major bases in the UK. Its contribution to the economy is estimated at £12 billion a year, employing over 6,000 people directly and supporting a supply chain involving over 4,500 companies.
Stefano Domenicali’s Speech
Domenicali addressed the room with a message that felt both celebratory and forward-looking:
“A special thank you to The Prime Minister for inviting us here today to this famous and historic setting.
We have an incredible week ahead at the British Grand Prix with nearly half a million fans coming to cheer on their heroes. This country is passionate about Formula 1 and motorsport, and we are very proud of this.
75 years ago, Formula 1 started here in the UK at Silverstone in 1950. Since then, it has become a British institution with deep roots and a huge contribution to the country.
This is the home of our sport, and we want that to continue, as I know you and your government are committed to.
At the heart of all of this is an incredible sport with passionate fans in the UK, all over the world, and the best drivers in the world fighting for the ultimate prize in motorsport.
It is an incredible time to be part of this sport, something that has been part of my life for so long, and the support of all of you here and The Prime Minister is so important.
I believe we are a fantastic business card for this country around the world, and I look forward to our future together.”
Also in attendance were leaders of the upcoming Cadillac F1 operation, F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff, and a group of young engineers, apprentices and scholars; many of whom are currently funded through F1’s UK based education initiatives.
It all felt deliberately optimistic, perhaps even a little emotional. A nod not just to the sport’s glitzy global image, but to its very real foundation in British engineering and innovation.
While the Prime Minister seemed genuinely proud to celebrate F1’s contribution to UK industry, he was probably relieved to be talking carbon fibre, instead of Personal Independence Payment reform.
Prime Minister hosts F1 featured image courtesy of Carl Court / Getty Images / F1