Grand Prix racing in the capital of the United Kingdom could be a step closer after new plans have emerged for a track, but the reports have been dismissed by F1 and London authorities.
Reports that London could host a Grand Prix as soon as 2026 in the Docklands area have been dismissed by both Formula 1 and London authorities.
An F1 race in the capital of the United Kingdom has long been mooted but plans for a street track in central London never came to fruition, with a venue on the outskirts of the city always a more likely candidate owing to the logistics involved.
Under plans to rejuvenate the Docklands, located in the east of London, the Royal Docks would be turned into a water-front "destination", with a 5.9km (3.6 mile) circuit similar in nature to Canada's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, according to The Times.
However when approached for comment about the plans, an F1 spokesperson said that no conversations had taken place about the race. Mayor Sadiq Khan's office also commented when that: 'There have been no recent discussions between the Mayor's Office and Formula One.
“However, the Mayor is always open to receiving new event proposals.” — Mayor Sadiq Khan's office
Talks held with F1
The Times suggests that talks have already been held with F1's owners Liberty Media about the Grand Prix taking place, which would also run around the ExCel centre, the home of London's Formula E race. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has also been involved in talks, with Mayor Khan previously expressing his support for a potential race in the city - to the backlash of environmental groups.
It is estimated that the rejuvenation project of the area could cost up to £250 million, to be funded by private investors. Although talks are claimed to have been held, the plans are still in an early stage, with planners DAR and LDN Collective hoping to submit their plans for approval in the next 12 months.
"Once we have planning consent with a fair wind we can build this within 24 months," Max Farrell, LDN Collective chief, told The Times. "So really, I think there's a best-case scenario of having a London Grand Prix here in August 2026. If everyone gets behind it, that would be feasible."
