British GP 2023 Increases Security In Wake Of 'Just Stop Oil' Protests

British GP 2023 has increased security after protests were witnessed during Wimbledon and Ashes recently.

Just Stop Oil, the climate change activist group funded by Aileen Getty of the Getty Oil Dynasty, has been warned that protests at this weekend’s British Grand Prix could result in a "catastrophe". There have been fears that a similar protest could take place at Silverstone on Sunday, after Just Stop Oil protestors disrupted two matches at the Wimbledon Open and first day of the Lord’s Ashes Test this year.

At the 2022 edition of the race, shortly after a high-speed crash involving multiple cars at turn one, Just Stop Oil protesters breached the trackside fencing. The race was immediately red flagged due to the crash but five protesters took to the track on the Wellington straight while the cars were still circulating and returning to the pits. There were no injuries with the track marshals moving the protestors of the track immediately and Northamptonshire Police detaining the protestors involved.

When asked if they will disrupt the British GP this weekend, Just Stop Oil said in a statement to The Athletic said "Just Stop Oil will continue disrupting sports and cultural events until the government makes a meaningful statement to halt and new licences or consents for fossil fuel exploration in the UK.”

Countermeasures by Silverstone Circuit & Local Police

On Saturday and Sunday, "an extra level of security" will be offered, Northamptonshire Police confirmed on Thursday. The police will use facial recognition technology and automobile number plate identification technology to match spectators against a watchlist in addition to armed cops, disruption officers, and search teams. According to the police, those on this list include those who are wanted for arrest and "those who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others."

Lewis Hamilton comes out in support of protestors 

Lewis Hamilton has stated that he will support a peaceful demonstration by the climate change activist group at this weekend's British Grand Prix. Hamilton has expressed sympathy with their cause in the past, believed they had a valid point to make.

Unambiguously, Hamilton said that protesters should not get on the tracks or endanger people's lives.