British GP has a special place on the F1 calendar as Hamilton-Piquet racism row rumbles on

On paper the British Grand Prix is just another race. But the reality is very different.

Sunday’s 10th round of the championship takes place a handful of miles from the headquarters of seven of the sport’s 10 teams. For many in Formula One, it’s their home race.

Most of those working in the paddock will have friends or family in the stands - which is close to half a million over three days.

A small city of tents and caravans for fans and workers springs up, plus a fairground and a rock concert venue to boot.

There are so many VIP flights the 1999 event holds the record as the world’s busiest ‘airport’ with 4,200 documented aircraft movements in a day.

The site is so big it has room for an exclusive new 14-acre plot at the track’s edge with 60 residences (something this exclusive couldn’t be called just a ‘house’ could it) costing between £750,000 and £2.2 million. Half have supposedly already sold.

It doesn’t have the panache of Abu Dhabi's Yas Island but it does have size and history, having been involved in F1 since its inception 72 years ago. And a passionate fan base nearby.

The vast acreage makes it the perfect venue for a sporting goliath such as a Grand Prix.

The track follows the contours of a Second World War air base, it’s runways and fringe supply roads. Unlike the nip and tuck of Azerbaijan and Monaco 81 per cent of every Silverstone lap is taken at full speed and that means around 210mph and up.

The lateral forces make it the toughest on tyres and cornering speeds are so vicious a driver’s neck will have to cope with head and helmet weight which increases sevenfold to 35kg.

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the Canada Formula 1 Grand Prix on June 19, 2022,