FORMULA ONE Drivers’ Championship leader Max Verstappen insists he’s not afraid of 140,000 fans at the British Grand Prix.
The Dutchman will look to beat seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton on his home track of Silverstone on Sunday.
Verstappen has won three races in a row, putting himself 32 points ahead of rival Hamilton in the driver standings.
The 23-year-old has stated that he won’t be fazed by the 140,000 racing-crazed Brits.
And he cheekily cited Italy’s recent Euro 2020 final success against England at Wembley as his inspiration.
He said: “No, Italy also managed to win the European Championship final at Wembley, right?
“I don’t notice that in the car.
“I think it’s different with a sport like football, where the audience is closer.”
Meanwhile, Silverstone’s organisers are confident that they’ll be able to pull off the biggest sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Silverstone’s managing director Stuart Pringle – who has worked closely with the directorate of public health in Northamptonshire – has said they have followed the rigorous process carefully.
And he has confidence that the event will run smoothly and to plan.
He said: “I have complete confidence in our ability to run this safely.
“For all the challenges we have had with our finances over the last 18 months we are not the type of business that sticks its neck in the noose and rolls the dice, we would not do this unless we believed we could do it.
“If we thought for some reason Public Health England and all the other bodies that have signed off on this in some way had got it wrong or we were not capable of delivering it in a way that complies with their requirements we would not do this.”
Race fans will, however, have to show a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival or proof of full vaccination.
And Brit Hamilton has called on fans to play their part and wear masks for the grand event.
Taking to Instagram, Hamilton said: “It was so nice to see everyone today.
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“So refreshing to see people and the energy already is so uplifting.
“Can I please ask you to wear your masks, be safe. I know of people getting Covid and being ill even with double jabs. So please please stay safe this weekend.
“Wearing a mask is a small sacrifice to stay healthy and keep others around us healthy. With love.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
