A historic celebration for F1 at 10 Downing Street

©Instagram/KeirStarmer

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©Instagram/KeirStarmer

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed 150 members of the Formula 1 community, led by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, to 10 Downing Street on Wednesday in a vibrant prelude to the British Grand Prix weekend.

Marking the sport’s 75th anniversary, which began at Silverstone on May 13, 1950, the event brought together past and present drivers, team principals, and various luminaries from the paddock to celebrate F1’s legacy.

With Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang by his side, Domenicali opened with a heartfelt speech, saying:

“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.”

©Formula1

Starmer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing F1’s role in Britain’s global influence.

“As Prime Minister, I’m really proud of what Formula 1 does for our country – not just that technology, not just that innovation, not just the money into our economy and the sheer joy it gives to so many people, but the soft power and global reputation that it gives the United Kingdom.

“And this is really important. It’s part of Brand Britain.”

As Silverstone prepares to host nearly half a million fans, Starmer invited the F1 community to shape its future.

“Today is about coming in to celebrate the last 75 years, which I’m really proud of, but also to talk about the future and to invite you to work with us and tell us what more we as a government can do to support what you’re doing, so that we can celebrate not just looking back 75 years, but for many, many years to come.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.