Fan Incidents Mar 2025 British Grand Prix, Including Steering Wheel Theft
A series of disruptive incidents, including the theft of a historic steering wheel and damage to a classic Formula 1 car, overshadowed the fan experience at the 2025 British Grand Prix held at Silverstone Circuit on July 4. The events prompted a police investigation and raised questions about security measures at the popular motorsport event.
Classic Car Display Targeted in Two Separate Incidents
The 2025 British GP featured a display of classic Formula 1 cars, including a tribute to the late team boss Eddie Jordan, intended to enhance the fan experience. However, the festivities were marred by two distinct incidents involving attendees. According to reports, “several thousands of pounds of damage” was caused to vehicles on display.
Livestreamers Suspected in Initial Damage
Northamptonshire Police responded to a report on July 4 regarding damage to a classic Formula 1 car. Initial investigations pointed to individuals allegedly accessing the display stand and entering the vehicle. Three men, aged 23, 25, and 27, were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage. However, following a “thorough investigation,” all three were released with no further action.
Authorities believe the suspects were livestreamers, with footage purportedly showing one individual climbing into a 2019 Racing Point F1 car exhibit before being asked to move by security personnel. Police subsequently approached the individual at the conclusion of the livestream.
Steering Wheel Theft at Historic Display
In a separate incident on the same day, a ticketholder targeted vehicles within the Silverstone historic display and Eddie Jordan tribute. CCTV footage revealed the individual first attempting to steal the steering wheel from a Brabham BT59. He then proceeded to steal the steering wheel from a neighboring 1990 Leyton House CG901 before leaving the area.
“He’s been in a couple of others – he’s been around for about half an hour in the paddock,” stated a representative from Martin Stretton Racing, the team responsible for the affected vehicles. The stolen steering wheel was identified as an original component from 1990, possessing significant historical value. “You can’t sell it. It’s a one-off – you’d get caught straight away… It wouldn’t have the history of the original one.” The team temporarily replaced the stolen wheel with one from a display March 891 car.
Police Appeal for Information
Northamptonshire Police has issued an appeal for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for the steering wheel theft, urging anyone with information to contact the non-emergency number 101.
Increased Security Measures in Place
The 2025 British GP saw a substantial attendance, with 130,000 people present on July 4 and a total of 500,000 fans attending throughout the event from Thursday to Sunday. Police deployed facial recognition technology, which was also utilized during the 2023 event, as part of an enhanced security operation.
These incidents underscore the challenges of maintaining security at large-scale public events and highlight the need for continued vigilance to protect valuable historical artifacts.
