A WEYMOUTH man was one of five protesters to invade the circuit at Silverstone, disrupting the Formula 1 British Grand Prix on Sunday.

Five Just Stop Oil supporters disrupted the British Grand Prix by invading the Wellington Straight - the fastest point of the track - before sitting down following a multi-car crash on the first lap yesterday.

The environmentalist group said they are demanding that the government calls an immediate halt to new oil and gas projects in the UK and have said that they will continue to disrupt sports, cultural events and oil until this demand is met.

21-year-old Louis Mckechnie from Weymouth said: “I’m in resistance because I cannot stand by while our government licenses new oil and gas projects. Our addiction to oil has brought us to the brink of catastrophe. Millions of people face starvation globally as a result of climate breakdown and the fossil fuelled war in Ukraine. Hungry people are rioting, economies are collapsing – this is what happens when you run out of food.

“Our government is knowingly destroying my future and condemning billions of people to death all over the world. They have failed us, we will die waiting for politicians to solve this crisis. We refuse to be spectators to genocide. I urge everyone to join the Just Stop Oil coalition and resist this government’s genocidal plans. Nonviolent civil resistance is the only thing that can save us now.”

Northamptonshire Police had warned of a potential disruption from activists in the run-up to the race after receiving intelligence and pleaded with protestors to not put themselves or others at risk by invading the track.

The Just Stop Oil supporters were dragged off by track officials.

Northamptonshire Police said seven people were arrested and taken into custody following the demonstration.

Event Commander – Chief Inspector Tom Thompson, said: “I’m really disappointed that this group of people ignored our warnings prior to race-day and made the incredibly dangerous decision to enter the track."

After the race, Formula 1 star, Lewis Hamilton said: “Big up those guys. Big up the protestors.

“I love that people are fighting for the planet and we need more people like them.”

However, Hamilton later moved to clarify his support, revealing he had not realised protestors had stormed the track when making his comments straight after the race.

In a social media statement, Hamilton said: “I wasn’t aware of the protests today, and while I’ll always support those standing up for what they believe in, it must be done safely.

“Please don’t jump on to our race circuits to protest, we don’t want to put you in harm’s way.”