Hamilton is the big draw for a London spin on F1 show
The Independent|November 14, 2024
Prior to the Drive to Survive era that triggered the sport’s unprecedented boom, one of Liberty Media’s first ventures as Formula One’s bright-eyed American owners came in the summer of 2017.
KIERAN JACKSON
Hamilton is the big draw for a London spin on F1 show

The next best thing beyond the unrealistic concept of a London Grand Prix, the capital opened itself up to F1 Live London, depicted as a “world-first” event to “celebrate a new era.”

Taking place a few days before the British Grand Prix, on a gorgeous Wednesday night in the heart of July, Trafalgar Square became a one-day hub of high-energy, fast-moving activity. From Sebastian Vettel executing doughnuts in his Ferrari car to Little Mix performing on stage, it was the first step on Liberty’s unrelenting journey towards a younger, more diverse audience. The results – in eyeballs and wealth – are plain for all to see today.

With 100,000 people attending, it was a rip-roaring success. There was just one problem: Lewis Hamilton did not turn up.

The Mercedes driver, in the midst of what would turn out to be his fourth title-winning season, opted instead for a two-day holiday in Greece. For a figure who has in the years since transcended his sport and remains the sport’s most popular star, it was a peculiar decision. Inevitably, Hamilton would justify his decision by his result at Silverstone, where he achieved a rare “grand slam” feat: pole position, leading every lap of the race, setting the fastest lap and winning the grand prix. But nevertheless, it is safe to say Hamilton won’t make the same choice next February when, ahead of his move to the sport’s most fabled brand, F1 returns to London once again.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView all
Fierce rivalry in best British flyweight fight for decades
The Independent

Fierce rivalry in best British flyweight fight for decades

This time last year, Sunny Edwards was on his way to the USA for a unification world title fight, and Galal Yafai was a five-fight novice.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Wiegman faces twin issues in tactical battle with Hayes
The Independent

Wiegman faces twin issues in tactical battle with Hayes

Sarina Wiegman had already highlighted where England need to improve long before Emma Hayes and the United States landed in London ahead of today's marquee clash at Wembley.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Crisis at City has shades of Mourinho's Bridge too far
The Independent

Crisis at City has shades of Mourinho's Bridge too far

For all the comments on Pep Guardiola's scratches, some senior figures in football were a bit shocked by the image.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Our favourite brands are at risk from changing demand
The Independent

Our favourite brands are at risk from changing demand

Constantly evolving consumer habits are threatening even the biggest names - factor in a competitive marketplace and rising overheads, and they're goners, says Chris Blackhurst

time-read
4 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Insurgents fighting Assad's Syrian regime enter Aleppo
The Independent

Insurgents fighting Assad's Syrian regime enter Aleppo

Surprise offensive is first time city is attacked since 2016

time-read
2 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Macron praises those who helped rebuild Notre-Dame
The Independent

Macron praises those who helped rebuild Notre-Dame

President visits cathedral as it prepares to reopen next week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Three main Irish parties set for election photo finish
The Independent

Three main Irish parties set for election photo finish

Sinn Fein, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are virtually neck-and-neck in terms of first preference votes in the Irish general election, according to an exit poll last night.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Ukraine could cede land for peace deal, says Zelensky
The Independent

Ukraine could cede land for peace deal, says Zelensky

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested he would temporarily cede Ukrainian territory to Russia in exchange for joining Nato.

time-read
1 min  |
November 30, 2024
Russia suffers record 2,000 losses in one day, says Kyiv
The Independent

Russia suffers record 2,000 losses in one day, says Kyiv

Claims of unprecedented military casualties for Moscow come as Putin’s forces make advances in eastern Ukraine

time-read
3 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Police name mother killed in hit-and-run e-bike crash
The Independent

Police name mother killed in hit-and-run e-bike crash

A young mother who was killed after she was knocked off an ebike in a hit-and-run crash has been named.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 30, 2024