The FIA has issued a statement following renewed attention on the collapse of Donington Park’s Formula 1 ambitions—once billed as the new home of the British Grand Prix.
Back in 2008, Donington Park was awarded a long-term contract to host the British Grand Prix, with then-FIA president Bernie Ecclestone heralding the Leicestershire venue as a potential “world-class circuit.” The plan was to replace Silverstone, which at the time was under pressure to modernise its ageing pit and paddock facilities.
However, Donington’s F1 dream never materialised. Just a year after signing the deal, Donington Ventures Limited—the company in charge of the project—went into administration with £20 million in debt. As a result, the track was left in disrepair and described as “unusable.”
In a statement on Tuesday, FIA President Stefano Domenicali reflected on the situation, saying: “What happened at Donington is a reminder that ambition must be matched by sustainable planning and financial stability. We always aim to bring Formula 1 to the best possible venues, but we must ensure that commitments made to fans, teams, and the championship are viable in the long term.”
Donington’s failed bid involved a complete overhaul of the circuit, including new grandstands, pit facilities, and major reworkings of the layout to meet FIA Grade 1 standards. A total investment of £135 million was targeted—covering both redevelopment and the race hosting fee—but financing fell through in late 2009.
After Donington’s collapse, Silverstone moved swiftly to re-secure the British Grand Prix, signing a 17-year deal that has since been extended to 2034.
On the current state of Silverstone, Domenicali added: “Silverstone has proven its enduring value and global appeal. Its history, passionate fanbase, and recent investments make it a cornerstone of the Formula 1 calendar. There’s no reason why it can’t remain on the schedule for decades to come.”
Today, Donington Park remains active in motorsport, hosting World Superbikes and the British Touring Car Championship. However, its chance to return to F1 has long since faded, with the circuit’s F1-grade ambitions left behind in the ruins of its failed 2009 development.
What was once envisioned as the UK’s future Grand Prix hub is now a cautionary tale of what can go wrong when grand plans meet financial instability.