Photo: XPB Images
Williams team principal James Fowles has shared how Brexit is affecting the UK-based Formula 1 teams competing in Europe. Since the UK’s exit from the European Union in early 2020, the consequences have been felt across many sectors, including motorsport.
Fowles highlighted the bureaucracy and restrictions faced by British teams when competing on the continent. This includes filling out hundreds of cards, the customs documents that allow the temporary importation of goods. In addition, the racing calendar is also affected, as teams cannot go directly from the UK to other races, having to return to the country to pick up goods and get them off the notebook before moving on to new destinations.
Another aspect that has been affected is the movement of people, with longer waiting times at airports.
Last week, the team principals met British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the issues facing teams after Brexit. During the meeting, possible solutions to solve some of the problems that are being faced were discussed. Fowles highlighted the importance of dialogue with the government and its acceptance of sport.
Others present at the meeting included DCMS Secretary of State Lucy Fraser and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who stressed the importance of Formula 1 to the country’s economy and entertainment. Currently, seven of the ten Formula 1 teams are based in the UK, with the exceptions being Ferrari, Sauber and Scuderia AlphaTauri.
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