Silverstone may be exempt from restrictions for the 2021 British Grand Prix

The British Grand Prix is close to a 120,000 sell-out but major doubt has been cast on running the event at full capacity following the confirmation of delaying 'freedom day' in the United Kingdom. The country was due to remove all COVID-19 induced restrictions on June 21st, but on Monday evening Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the release will be moved to July 19th. 

The 2021 British Grand Prix is set to take place on 16-18th July meaning restrictions won't be lifted in time. However, reports suggest that the event at the Silverstone circuit could be exempt from the rules as part of a pilot event by the UK government. A senior sports reporter at the BBC believes Silverstone are part of the discussions for exemptions. 

Should the exemption not be permitted, the grandstands will be open under current restricted measures. 

Understood discussions ongoing re large crowds for other sports events like the Grand Prix at Silverstone and The Open

— Laura Scott (@LauraScott__) June 14, 2021

Silverstone

In 2020, Silverstone Circuit hosted two Formula 1 races behind closed doors. The 2021 version will be the first Grand Prix weekend completed with the new format. This includes a sprint race during Saturday which will form the grid for the Grand Prix. 

Fans have been allowed in sports stadiums across the United Kingdom since the middle of May. The likes of Premier League football, Premiership Rugby and the Euros2020 have seen stadiums open, but under reduced capacity.