British GP invader disrupted Olympics, World Cup and joined Britain’s Got Talent

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    One of the Formula One calendar’s most historic and highly-anticipated races gets underway this weekend.

    The 10 teams will take to Silverstone for the iconic British Grand Prix as runaway leaders Red Bull look to land their first win at the track since 2012.

    Much of the build-up surrounding the Grand Prix has focused on Just Stop Oil protesters potentially disrupting the race, having done so in frightening scenes last year. Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris are two drivers who have called on protesters to not put their lives at risk ahead of Sunday's race.

    Yet there is certainly precedent for wild protests taking place at Silverstone, with Irish priest Neil Horan stunning F1 drivers by suddenly appearing on the track during the 2003 edition.

    READ MORE: Johnny Herbert says fellow F1 legend Eddie Jordan is 'talking out of his backside'

    The drivers were approaching the Hanger straight – regarded the fastest part of the circuit – when a kilt-wearing Horan waved a banner with the words "Read the Bible: The Bible is always right" in the face of imminent danger.

    The priest had leapt over safety barriers and approached the cars as they raced, with exasperated drivers being forced to swerve to the far side of the track to avoid him. Thankfully, safety marshals were able to apprehend Horan before his bizarre actions resulted in tragedy.

    Do you think we will see track-invaders at Silverstone this weekend? Let us know in the comments section.

    Horan pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated trespass, and was sentenced to two months in jail. However, it was not the only sporting occasion where the former Roman Catholic priest made his mark.

    The increasingly active Horan was arrested by Greek police a year later after pushing race leader Vanderlei de Lima during the men's marathon event at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

    The Brazil athlete ended up finishing third having held a comfortable lead at the time of the incident, while the priest escaped with a fine and suspended sentence.

    The Grand Prix invader later spent time in jail in Germany over his plans to stage a pro-Nazi demonstration during the 2006 World Cup with a poster he made praising Adolf Hitler.

    Horan has previously shared his views on an impending Third World War in the Middle-East, as well as the second coming of Christ and a nuclear armageddon.

    The 75-year-old also described his studies on the Book of Revelations as “one of the most painful subjects that has cast a shadow over my life”.

    Perhaps most bizarrely of all, the shamed former cleric was allowed to audition on the 2009 edition of ITV show Britain's Got Talent.

    Having received a standing ovation while performing in traditional Irish clothing, the judges sent Horan through to the second round before sending him home before the live semi-finals.

    He was seen again outside of St. Mary's Hospital in 2013 ahead of the birth of Prince George. There, the odd-ball appeared with a sign stating Queen Elizabeth "is very probably the last monarch of Britain".

    Horan followed it up by handing out a business card, which read: "Neil Horan, the Britain's Got Talent Irish Dancer. I perform at Weddings. My Mission in Life is to help prepare the world for the Second Coming."

    • Formula One
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    • World Cup
    • Britains Got Talent
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