F1 understands Silverstone invasion, but 'no one has the right to put lives in danger'

The protesters who stormed Sunday's British Grand Prix remain in police custody after Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali labelled their actions as "dangerous and irresponsible".

Five men, aged between 21 and 46, and two women, 20 and 44, were arrested after the terrifying track invasion on the opening lap at Silverstone.

Although the incident was not shown on F1's global television feed, eyewitness footage emerged of five people - understood to be representing climate activist group, Just Stop Oil - entering the circuit at the high-speed Wellington Straight. They then sat down on the tarmac.

The race had just been suspended following Zhou Guanyu's horror first-corner crash, but several drivers sped by the quintet as they returned to the pits. Marshals swiftly dragged the protesters away.

Today was a reminder that F1 remains a high-speed, high-risk sport that is always right on the edge.We are so thankful to the advances in safety that mean both Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon are safe and well. pic.twitter.com/BJ8PPDG2av

In his post-race press conference, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton defended the activists.

He said: "Big up those guys. Big up the protesters. I love that people are fighting for the planet, and we need more people like them."

Later, the 37-year-old said: "As we've seen today, this is a dangerous sport. I wasn't aware of the protests today, and while I'll always support those standing up for what they believe in, it must be done safely. Please don't jump onto our race circuits to protest; we don't want to put you in harm's way."

READ: British police on high alert after 'credible intelligence' warns of F1 protests at Silverstone

F1 bosses and Silverstone officials had been alerted to a protest plot in the