This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 22, 2020, the UK government's decision to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for those entering the country dealt a significant blow to Formula One's plans to host two races at Silverstone.
The measures, set to take effect from June 8, aim to curb the spread of coronavirus, but will be reviewed every three weeks, leaving room for a possible exemption to be granted in time for the Grands Prix in July.
Formula One had earlier highlighted the impact of the new rules on 'tens of thousands of jobs linked to F1 and supply chains,' but the UK government has refused to grant an exemption.
Despite this setback, Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached to allow both races to go ahead.
'I am very clear that the importance of the industry is understood by government,' Pringle told Sky Sports. 'So I remain optimistic that a sensible and pragmatic solution, which puts the onus on the sport quite rightly to come up with the right solution, can be found.'
Seven of the 10 teams on the Formula One grid have bases in England, and Pringle emphasized that the racing is not just about the excitement of the event, but also about getting an industry back to work and supporting the livelihoods of over 40,000 people.
The quarantine restrictions could also have a major impact on the participation of British sides in European football competition, with several teams still involved in the knockout stages of the Champions League or Europa League.
