Toto Wolff and Stefano Domenicali issue plea over possible British GP protests

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali have joined forces to deter protesters from disrupting this weekend’s British Grand Prix. The likes of Just Stop Oil and Animal Rising have wreaked havoc on major sporting events in recent months, with activists having targeted the Ashes, the Grand National and the World Snooker Championship.

Last year’s British Grand Prix was also disrupted when a group of Just Stop Oil members invaded the track shortly after a red flag was signalled to halt the race on the opening lap. There have been fears over the possibility of another protest at Silverstone this weekend and Domenicali and Wolff have warned that activists will be risking not only their own lives, but the lives of others by interrupting the race again.

“We are not here to dispute any different opinions on things, but to do things that are getting dangerous and basically destroying events that hundreds of thousands of people [go to] is totally wrong,” Domenicali told Sky Sports.

“I think [there is] a way of showing what you want to do but this is totally unacceptable, so we really hope that people understand it’s not the place. That’s pretty clear to me. Our industry is frontline to make sure the awareness of sustainability is there, so we are really engaged on that.”

Domenicali’s comments on the topic were echoed by Wolff, who added: “I think from our side, one needs to understand that our industry is trailblazing in sustainability. We’re having sustainable fuels. In 2026, it will be 100 per cent sustainable fuel.

“The technology and innovation in Formula One is important to achieve those mission standards and like Stefano said, our cars are driving 200 miles per hour. You’re putting yourselves in danger and also the pilots.

“I can speak for our drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. They wouldn’t want to have anybody being at risk, spectators, fans or themselves. That is not the place to take big risks. You’re not blocking anybody but you’re seriously putting people at harm.”

It comes after McLaren ace Lando Norris insisted that anybody planning to protest at Silverstone would be ‘selfish’ to ignore the psychological impact it could have on drivers if they end up injuring, or even killing, activists who invade the track during the race.

“Of course it is a concern because it is a stupid thing to do to put your life in danger with cars driving around,” said Norris earlier this week. “It is also a very selfish thing to do because of the consequences it could have on the person that drives the car. Everyone has a right to protest and there are good ways of doing it and worse ways.”

While Hamilton said: “I welcome protesters or activists. I think always they are pushing for positive change. We never want to see people standing on the track and putting themselves in harm’s way.

“But that sparks conversation, that sparks dialogue and it often helps, sometimes, done the right way – it sparks change. And we need more change. We need to become more sustainable. We need to be more inclusive. There’s all these things that we need to do more of.

“It’s moving at such a fast pace, the industry, that sometimes some of those things fall off and they need to be sparked up again by conversation. So I hope we don’t have the same scenario that we had last [year]. But as I said, I’m always supportive of peaceful protesters.”

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