In the thrilling world of Formula 1, the British Grand Prix is slated to be held at its birthplace – the Silverstone Circuit – from July 7 to 9 this year. This race follows closely on the heels of the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, which takes place a week earlier. Post-Silverstone, the action moves to the Hungaroring in Budapest.
Silverstone: A Circuit Steeped in History
The Silverstone Grand Prix stands as one of the most iconic and storied events in motorsport history. Tracing its origins back to the nascent days of Formula One, the first British Grand Prix was hosted in 1950 at this very circuit, then a repurposed military airfield, and marked the inception of the Formula One World Championship.
Over the years, the Silverstone circuit has evolved from its original, lengthier airstrip format to a more compact, safer, and exhilarating 5.891 km track. This transformation has made Silverstone a benchmark for modern racing circuits.
Silverstone Today: The Pinnacle of the F1 Season
Now, the Silverstone Circuit is renowned as a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar. The current configuration offers a 52-lap race, totaling 306.3 kilometers, where high-tech cars zoom past an audience of up to 135,000 spectators. Max Verstappen holds the record for the fastest lap in this circuit with a time of 1:27.097 in his Red Bull racer.
The Legacy of Silverstone’s Grand Prix
The Silverstone Grand Prix has consistently delivered riveting races and dramatic moments for decades. Racing legends like Jim Clark,
Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, and Lewis Hamilton have etched their names in its history with multiple victories, reinforcing the British legacy in racing.
In 2010, the circuit underwent significant renovations to adapt to the advanced needs of modern Formula One racing. This upgrade included redesigning the pit areas, the starting and finishing straights, and various corners.
The Grand Prix at Silverstone has maintained its essential place in the Formula One roster for over seventy years. In 2020, its 70th anniversary was celebrated with a special race, aptly named the “70th Anniversary Grand Prix,” to compensate for the numerous cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, Silverstone, alongside Monza, has the distinction of being one of the only two F1 circuits to have consistently hosted races since 1950.
Champions of the Silverstone Grand Prix
The history of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is marked by an illustrious list of winners from various teams, showcasing the competitive spirit and evolution of the sport over the years.
Year | Pilot | Team |
---|---|---|
2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
2022 | Carlos Sainz jr. | Ferrari |
2021 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2020 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
2020 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2018 | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari |
2017 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2016 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2015 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2014 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2013 | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes |
2012 | Mark Webber | Red Bull Renault |
2011 | Fernando Alonso | Ferrari |
2010 | Mark Webber | Red Bull Renault |
2009 | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull Renault |
2008 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2007 | Kimi Räikkönen | Ferrari |
2006 | Fernando Alonso | Renault |
2005 | Juan Pablo Montoya | McLaren Mercedes |
2004 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2003 | Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari |
2002 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2001 | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren Mercedes |
2000 | David Coulthard | McLaren Mercedes |
1999 | David Coulthard | McLaren Mercedes |
1998 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
1997 | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams Renault |
1996 | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams Renault |
1995 | Johnny Herbert | Benetton Renault |
1994 | Damon Hill | Williams Renault |
1993 | Alain Prost | Williams Renault |
1992 | Nigel Mansell | Williams Renault |
1991 | Nigel Mansell | Williams Renault |
1990 | Alain Prost | Ferrari |
1989 | Alain Prost | McLaren Honda |
1988 | Ayrton Senna | McLaren Honda |
1987 | Nigel Mansell | Williams Honda |
1985 | Alain Prost | McLaren Porsche |
1983 | Alain Prost | Renault |
1981 | John Watson | McLaren Ford |
1979 | Clay Regazzoni | Williams Ford |
1977 | James Hunt | McLaren Ford |
1975 | Emerson Fittipaldi | McLaren Ford |
1973 | Peter Revson | McLaren Ford |
1971 | Jackie Stewart | Tyrrell Ford |
1969 | Jackie Stewart | Matra Ford |
1967 | Jim Clark | Lotus Climax |
1965 | Jim Clark | Lotus Climax |
1963 | Jim Clark | Lotus Climax |
1960 | Jack Brabham | Cooper Climax |
1958 | Peter Collins | Ferrari |
1956 | Juan Manuel Fangio | Ferrari |
1954 | José Froilán González | Ferrari |
1953 | Alberto Ascari | Ferrari |
1952 | Alberto Ascari | Ferrari |
1951 | José Froilán González | Ferrari |
1950 | Giuseppe Farina | Alfa Romeo |
Accessing Formula 1 Excitement Live and Free
For fans wanting to experience the entire Formula 1 season, there are options to watch every race live for free using VPN services. This method, which I have personally used for several years, ensures you don’t miss a single moment of racing action due to transmission issues, all while saving money.