The images of some cameras on board during the first lap have shown a few protesters accessing the track through the base of the bridge of the Hangar straight, skipping the security barrier as the leader, Max Verstappen, passed through this area.
However, at that very moment, the race had been stopped after the red flag caused by the spectacular accident suffered by Guanyu Zhou.
At least five people were photographed sitting on the Silverstone asphalt before the stewards entered the track to evict the protesters. The climate activist group Just Stop Oil wasted no time in claiming the facts.
Northamptonshire Police issued a statement after the race, revealing that seven people had been arrested for their “very dangerous decision”.
The event’s chief inspector, Tom Thompson , said: “I am truly disappointed that this group of people ignored our warnings the day before this race and made such a dangerous decision to enter the track. “.
“We offered to facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, but instead of accepting it, they preferred to endanger the lives of the drivers, the stewards and the volunteers.”
“It’s incredibly disappointing that someone would make the decision to do that.”
This demonstration was carried out after the Northamptonshire Police, who recognized that protesting is “everyone’s human right”, received “credible information” on Friday that they were planning to invade the circuit during the race weekend, which caused them to ask all those involved not to take this excessive risk “putting their lives in danger”.
Thompson continued: “Fortunately, we had plans to stop an action like this and the invaders were quickly evicted and apprehended by our police officers.”
“All seven are currently in custody and their details are being investigated.”
“Finally, I would like to thank all the officers and staff, as well as our partners, who have worked tirelessly on this police operation.”
“Overall we’ve had very low crime rates and what happened today has been dealt with effectively and very efficiently and I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Responding to a question from Motorsport.com, McLaren driver Lando Norris called it a “concerning” move.
“Really, you have to be very silly to get on a circuit when Formula 1 cars are running… it’s scary just thinking about it.”
“Because at the same time you’re putting us at risk by being involved in something that we would never, ever want to be involved in.”
“I’m sure the circuit did everything they could to prevent it,” concluded the local driver.
