Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephanie Peacock and Greg Smith

Thursday 27th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Greg Smith (Mid Buckinghamshire) (Con)]

10. Whether her Department plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Formula 1 and motor sport, the hon. Member is a keen supporter of motor sport in the UK, and I pay tribute to him for all his work. Last month, I met with Formula 1, and I congratulate it on its 75th anniversary.

[Greg Smith]

Formula 1 is a world championship, but it is a predominantly British success story. Would the best way for the Government to join its 75th anniversary celebrations not be to get behind the efforts of Susie Wolff and others to get more women into the sport, and to back the Hamilton Commission in getting more people from more diverse backgrounds to participate in motor sport at all levels?

[Stephanie Peacock]

I pay tribute again to the hon. Gentleman for all his work. The milestone provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the sport’s long history in the UK and the huge contribution that it makes. I echo and agree with his comments about diversity. F1 also has a significant economic impact. Seven out of 10 Formula 1 teams are based in the UK, collectively generating £1.9 billion in turnover in 2022.