The Goodwood Festival of Speed has always been a haven for racing enthusiasts, and this year’s event, taking place from July 10th to 13th, will be particularly special as it celebrates the 75th anniversary of the inaugural 1950 Formula 1 World Championship season. Legendary Grand Prix drivers from both past and present are set to visit Goodwood House shortly after the British Grand Prix, many showcasing historic Formula 1 cars by racing them up the hill in front of a huge crowd.
A key highlight of the festival is the Formula One Champions Gathering on Saturday, featuring icons such as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mika Hakkinen, Mario Andretti, and others. Mansell will be behind the wheel of the Williams FW11, the car responsible for Britain’s first Grand Prix win in 1986, while Prost will be driving the dominant McLaren MP4/4 from the 1988 season.
Other notable attendees include ten-time Grand Prix winner Gerhard Berger, McLaren veteran John Watson, and sports car legends Jackie Ick and Emmanuel Piro. The festival also pays tribute to Derek Bell in recognition of the 50th anniversary of his first Le Mans victory in the Mirage GR8.
Current Formula 1 stars Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman from the Haas team will participate, both driving the VF-23. Gabriel Boltreto, who raced the 2013 Spec Sauber C32 hill climb, will also be present, contributing as the colorist for the Haas F1 team. Haas owner Jean Haas and team principal Ayao Komatsu will commemorate ten years in the sport by driving their first-ever F1 car.
James Bowles, Williams’ team boss, will have the chance to drive Mansell’s iconic FW14B, while Adrian Newey, Aston Martin’s new Chief Technology Officer, will be active behind the wheel, piloting both the 1968 Lotus 49B and his own Layton House CG901.
The festival will also showcase a variety of classic F1 cars, including the Jordan 198, Benetton B191, McLaren M23, and Ferrari F2002. McLaren will run the legendary F1 GTR to celebrate 30 years since its breakthrough victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In addition to the four-wheel action, Friday will honor the career of Carl Fogarty, a four-time world superbike champion.
Fan Take: This celebration not only honors the rich heritage of Formula 1 but also bridges generations, inspiring both fans and current drivers. It’s an unmissable event that offers a glimpse into the history and evolution of motorsport, underscoring the timeless passion that drives racing forward.
