Rain causes traffic jam around Silverstone

The Formula 1 community and fans alike have been surprised by the number of traffic problems heading into Silverstone on Friday. The jams have been caused by a combination of poor weather conditions and people attempting to check into camp sites.

Silverstone was infamously connected with wet weather and traffic issues for the 2000 race, which was hosted in April and was in the headlines because of muddy car parks more than the on-track action. Although a number of F1 personalities – such as McLaren reserve driver Gary Paffett and BBC Radio 5 live commentator Jaime Alguersuari – found themselves in heavy traffic today, the grandstands have been full for Friday practice.

“To all who are stuck in traffic, we are trying our best to get everyone on site," reads a tweet from Silverstone. “A major problem is a traffic going to the campsites; all are full so if you have not pre-booked please DO NOT attempt to come to Silverstone. Those that are here, we are doing our best to relocate you. We are doing all we can to get you in and parked up ASAP. We are sincerely sorry to all of those stuck in the traffic."

Most of the day’s practice action has been washed out, with drivers remaining in their garages. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton took the opportunity to stroll up and down the pit lane with an umbrella in a bid to study the various features of rival cars.