Formula 1 | Silverstone and Monza want to keep their flypasts before the Grand Prix

The traditional pre-race flyover of the Red Arrows at the British Grand Prix has not been banned by Formula 1.

This was confirmed by Silverstone in reaction to the change for the 2022 season: race promoters will not be allowed to hold demonstrations of military aviation before races.

This sparked speculation that the Red Arrows, who are part of the Royal Air Force, would no longer be allowed to perform.

However, Silverstone chief executive Stuart Pringle denied this in a statement. “The Red Arrows have played an important role in entertaining motorsport fans since they first entered the British Grand Prix in 1966 and I am happy to say that Formula 1 has confirmed that this much-loved tradition can continue. at Silverstone in 2022. »

« The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, are not classified as military aviation and as such do not fall into the category of demonstrations which will no longer be permitted at events. Formula 1. We look forward to welcoming them back to Silverstone on July 3. »

Will the same dispensation be applied to similar aerobatic teams such as the Frecce Tricolori, which appear regularly before the Grand Prix at Monza, even though the latter are indeed part of the Italian military aviation? So far, no!

“I hope that the elimination of the Frecce Tricolori demonstration at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix will be canceled and that in the end a solution will be found so that the spectators are not deprived of what is, for all intents and purposes, a show within a show, as well as a strong reminder of national identity, » said the president of the Automobile Club of Milan, Geronimo La Russa.

« The new management of Formula 1 is already working in a positive and innovative way. It is normal that environmental sustainability is also part of its objectives, but I continue to believe that the parade of the Frecce Tricolori is an important element, an appreciated added value of all. »