Tradition dictates that fans at a Formula One race get to see all of the drivers before the race, and that was met through the drivers parade at the 2014 British Grand Prix. There has been a growing trend recently to have individual vehicles to show off the drivers, although Silverstone kept the flatbed lorry that normally takes the various drivers on their tour of the circuit. There are a number of benefits to that; the fans get to see the drivers talking to each other and interacting, there is the opportunity for the drivers to be interviewed whilst going around the circuit, and the lap of the circuit is a bit quicker than waiting for twenty two cars to make their way around the track.
There were two camera crews onboard the vehicle as it made its way around, with Natalie Pinkham interviewing drivers for Sky F1, and Lee McKenzie performing the same role for the BBC. Part way around the circuit, the British drivers – Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Max Chilton – got off and spent some time throwing some hats into the gathered crowds for fans; a nice touch at the British Grand Prix.
The drivers’ expressions hint at the windy conditions that certainly made it feel colder than it was during the parade. Plenty seemed to have their jackets zipped right up to keep the heat in.
There was a big banner right in front of me – I was in the front row – supporting Lewis Hamilton, and we got a big wave and thumbs up from Lewis when he saw it. I, however, didn’t manage to get a decent photo of that.
Here are a few of my photos of the parade.
