When is F1 Live London, how can I get tickets, where will it be held, and will Lewis Hamilton be there?

FORMULA ONE is making a pit stop in London ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Fans unable to make the big race at Silverstone will be able to see their favourite teams in action in the heart of the capital.

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Here is all you need to know about the event.

When is F1 Live London?

F1 Live London will take place on Wednesday, July 12.

The event will be formed of two parts – an F1 Schools and Innovation Showcase from 12pm to 4pm and the F1 Live London Show and Parade from 5.30pm to 9pm.

Show cars will line up outside the National Gallery while others will speed from Whitehall to Trafalgar Square and back again.

How do I get tickets?

The event is free to the public but crowds should arrive early at Trafalgar Square in order to ensure they get the best view.

Can I watch the event on TV?

Yes. Sky Sports F1 will show all the action and there will also be a live stream on YouTube and the F1 website.

Which drivers will be attending?

Every F1 driver will be attending F1 Live London... except Lewis Hamilton.

The Mercedes driver will take a two-day break in the build-up to the British Grand Prix.

He has already tweeted his fans saying: “To my loving fans, I can’t wait to see you in Silverstone. Until then, I’m away on a two-day break. God Bless you all. Love, Lewis.”

That leaves nemesis Sebastian Vettel with the chance to win over some support on enemy territory as he drives his Ferrari along Whitehall in front of thousands of adoring fans.

And in a turbulent week, which saw Silverstone hand in notice that it was set to cancel its contract for the British Grand Prix, Formula One's owners had a subtle dig at Hamilton.

A Liberty Media statement said: “We invited teams and drivers to join us at F1 Live London and we had a fantastic response from all the teams and 19 of the drivers.

“Today will be a great day for London’s Formula One fans, seeing race cars and drivers close-up, sharing the passion for F1 ahead of the British Grand Prix.”