Behind the scenes at F1’s Downing Street reception

As I passed through security and walked along Downing Street towards No.10, I could spy Larry the cat – officially known as Chief Mouser to the British government's cabinet office, who has been in residence for more than a decade – lying curled up on the cobbles, enjoying the afternoon summer sunshine.

He seemed unmoved by the fact there were two Formula 1 cars – a McLaren and Williams – parked outside his front door and a gaggle of photographers jostled for position behind steel barriers waiting to snap today's visitors walking through one of the most famous doors in the world.

Just a few days out from the British Grand Prix – which hosted Formula 1's first-ever race back in 1950 – the Formula 1 community convened at No.10 Downing Street for a special reception to celebrate 75 years of the sport and highlight the impact F1 has had on the British economy.

It was the first time a Prime Minister had held such an event with F1, as in the past it had usually been cabinet ministers who represented the PM in discussions – and thus this was something of a red letter day for Formula 1.

Haas drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, plus Williams racer Alex Albon (to be joined later by his team mate Carlos Sainz, who was late arriving because of a delayed flight) were in attendance.

They were soon joined outside No.10 by F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, plus several motorsport apprentices and graduates, for photos and a quick chat before everyone filed inside.

A reception was hosted in the Prime Minister's well-tended and blooming garden – and this featured more than a 100 of the F1 community, including senior team leaders Flavio Briatore, Ayao Komatsu, James Vowles, Jonathan Wheatley and Andy Cowell.

New entrant Cadillac's new boss Graeme Lowdon was also in attendance, alongside F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff and Silverstone Managing Director Stuart Pringle. And there were World Champions aplenty, including Sir Jackie Stewart, Jenson Button and Damon Hill.

While the guests mingled, Starmer and Domenicali had a chat as the Prime Minister checked out the Drivers’ and Teams’ World Championship trophies. There would be time to catch up in private one-to-one later, but before that, there were speeches to be done.

Domenicali was up first, the sport's President and CEO highlighting how connected the sport feels with the country, from the more than 6,000 people employed in F1 in the UK to the 4,500 companies working in the sport.

There are around 41,000 jobs linked to F1, and 25,000 highly skilled engineers in the country. Overall, he said the sport generates over £12 billion to the UK economy "as well as helping the country remain a leader in world-class innovation, technology and skills".

He closed with this: "I believe we are a fantastic business card for this country around the world, and I look forward to our future together."

Starmer very warmly welcomed the sport, saying: "This is the very centre of government. It's where I work every day. It's also my home, it's where I live. So you're very welcome here, and take the fact that we want you here in the heart of government as a statement of intent."

He later added: "I'm really proud of what Formula 1 does for our country – not just that technology, not just that innovation, not just the money into our economy and the sheer joy it gives to so many people, but the soft power and global reputation that it gives the United Kingdom.

"And this is really important. It's part of Brand Britain. And that's why I think today is about coming in to celebrate the last 75 years, which I'm really proud of."