F1 drivers forced to swerve around ‘idiot’ protestors who run on Silverstone track during first lap of British GP

THE FIA has confirmed that a group of protestors attempted to disrupt the British Grand Prix.

Demonstrators attempted to enter the track at the beginning of the race and were swiftly dealt with by race marshals.

And although the protestors reached the track they were unable to stall the race due to Zhou Guanyu’s horror crash bringing a halt to proceedings just after lights out.

The FIA said in a statement: “We also confirm that after the red flag, several people attempted to enter the track.

“These people were immediately removed and the matter is now being dealt with by the local authorities.”

A short clip from Esteban Ocon’s cockpit shows the protestors being dealt with as the Spaniard drove by slowly.

The protestors did manage to cause alarm however with Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle in disbelief at what he saw. He said: “Lucky escape, so stupid to come onto a racetrack.”

Fans were also shocked by the protestors’ behaviour and let their feelings known on social media.

One viewer wrote: “What a surprise, idiot British protestors at the British Grand Prix, throw the book at them, they get on my nerves.”

Another added: “Those protestors are idiots. No matter what the cause is, you can’t just jump in front of F1 cars what is wrong with you.”

And a third said: “Protestors entering a race track is absolutely absurd. A fan should never go on to the racing/playing surface in any sport.”

Fortunately, there were no more protesters waiting in the stands for the re-start, which got underway without any issues.