An investigation has been opened by Silverstone and Northamptonshire Police after four protestors were arrested f🐈or targeting Formula 1’s British Grand Prix.

Four members of the environmentalist group Extinction Rebellion were arrested after gaining access to the Silverstone track and unfurling a banner at Club corner, which was picked up by the television cameras as the F1 🐠cars began their formation lap.

The 202ඣ0 British Grand Prix was held as a closed event race due to F1’s stringent COVID-19 protocols and Northamptonshire police had already 🅰issued a statement urging fans to stay away from the back-to-back grands prix at Silverstone.

It is believed the members of the group gained access to the circuit using ladder𒊎s. The four were led away from the circuit by marshals before being detained 𝐆and arrested by the police.

"During the race, Northamptonshire Police were made aware of four people who had been detained by Silve꧙rstone security inside the venue perimeter," a statement from Silverstone read.

"Officers are workinওg closelౠy with Silverstone Circuit and conducting a full investigation. Four people have been arrested and are in police custody."

F1 was previously targeted b꧟y protesters at the Belgian 🎃Grand Prix in 2013 when Greenpeace staged a protest against the race’s then-title sponsor Shell.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won Sunday’s Briꦺtish Grand Prix after liming his car to the finish despite picking up a puncture on the final l🎉ap of the race. Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished just 5.8s behind in second place, as Valtteri Bottas failed to score after suffering his own puncture late on.