Dylan Bettencourt
A group of “Just Stop Oil” protestors were perhaps fortunate that the British Grand Prix was red flagged at the very beginning of the race as they sat in the middle of the track.
Reports throughout the race weekend suggested that the race could be disrupted by protestors but nobody would have imagined the group would position themselves in the most dangerous position possible.
The race was stopped after Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu was involved in a horror crash that saw his car slide into the barriers upside down before being wedged between the barrier and the fence.
The protestors ran onto the track while the cars were slowly making their way back to the pit lane.
A statement from the “Just Stop Oil” protest said they were demanding an immediate stop to the new oil and gas projects in the United Kingdom.
Seven of those involved were arrested during the race.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali labelled the protestors as “totally stupid”.
“You can protest whatever you want, it’s freedom of speech but this is really something ridiculous. This is the minimum I can say,” the Italian told Sky Sports.
While Lewis Hamilton supported the protest, he urged protestors to refrain from putting themselves in danger.
“I wasn’t aware of the protests and while I’ll always support those standing for what they believe in, it must be done safely,” the seven-time world champion wrote on Instagram.
“Please don’t jump onto our race circuits to protest. We don’t want to put you in harm’s way.”
Winner of the British Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz, initially thought the race had been red flagged due to the protest.
“People obviously need to speak out and protest wherever they want because it’s a right,” the Spaniard said.
“I just don’t believe jumping onto a Formula 1 track and putting yourself and all the drivers at risk is the best way to do it.”
Image source: @DailyMail
