SILVERSTONEHOME OF F1
Where Formula 1 Began — The former airfield that became the spiritual home of motorsport.
The History of Silverstone
From wartime airfield to F1 birthplace
Silverstone was a Royal Air Force bomber station during World War II. After the war, the runways were repurposed for racing, and in 1950, it hosted the very first Formula 1 World Championship race—the beginning of the sport we know today.
The circuit has evolved dramatically since those early days on the perimeter roads, but it retains its fast, flowing character. The high-speed corners—Copse, Maggotts, Becketts, Chapel—demand commitment and reward precision.
Maggotts-Becketts is considered one of the greatest corner sequences in motorsport. The quick left-right-left through these high-speed esses, taken flat out in modern F1 cars, is a breathtaking display of aerodynamic grip and driver skill.
The British Grand Prix crowd is legendary. Over 400,000 fans attend across the weekend, creating an atmosphere unmatched anywhere else on the calendar. The sea of Union Jacks and the roar when a British driver leads is spine-tingling.
Lewis Hamilton has made Silverstone his own, winning a record eight times. His performances in front of his home crowd have cemented his status as Britain's greatest racing driver.
Legendary Moments
The races that defined Silverstone
The First F1 Race
The very first Formula 1 World Championship race takes place at Silverstone. Giuseppe Farina wins for Alfa Romeo in front of King George VI.
Stewart's Dominant Victory
Jackie Stewart wins by a lap in his Matra, one of the most dominant victories in British GP history.
Mansell Mania
Nigel Mansell hunts down Nelson Piquet and passes him with two laps to go. The crowd goes wild for "Our Nige."
Hamilton's Masterclass
Lewis Hamilton wins by over a minute in the rain, lapping everyone up to second place. One of the greatest drives ever.
Hamilton vs Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battle wheel-to-wheel for the lead. Hamilton prevails in front of his home crowd.
Sainz's First Win
Carlos Sainz takes his first F1 victory in a dramatic race featuring Zhou Guanyu's horrific crash at Abbey.
Silverstone Champions
The kings of British motorsport
Lewis Hamilton
UK • 2008, 2014-2017, 2019-2021
Alain Prost
France • 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1993
Jim Clark
UK • 1962-1965, 1967
Nigel Mansell
UK • 1987, 1991, 1992
Michael Schumacher
Germany • 1998, 2002, 2004
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