An Exciting Introduction to F1®

The British Grand Prix has been known to produce some of the most iconic races in Formula One’s history. Silverstone hosted the first official F1® world championship race in May 1950 - over 75 years ago. However, it’s worth noting that races under F1® rules were already around during the 1940s.  Interestingly, this first championship race had two titles. Officially, it was recognised as the Grand Prix d’Europe, the first time that the race title was assigned to a race outside of Italy or France. Adding to the craziness, members of the grid included a Swiss Baron, a Thai Prince, and a famous jazz musician.  This race was won by Giuseppe “Nino” Farina in an Alfa Romeo in front of King George VI, along with his daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. 

History of Winners

As mentioned, Giuseppe “Nino” Farino won the maiden race at Silverstone; he also went on to win the first ever F1® World Championship. The 58 races in Silverstone to date have featured at least 32 different winners. 10 British drivers have managed to experience the joys of winning their home races at Silverstone. 

British Winners

  • Peter Collins (1958)
  • Jim Clark (1963, 1965, and 1967)
  • Jackie Stewart (1969 and 1971)
  • James Hunt (1977)
  • John Watson (1981)
  • Nigel Mansell (1987, 1991, and 1992)
  • Damon Hill (1994) 
  • Johnny Herbert (1995)
  • David Coulthard (1999 and 2000)
  • Lewis Hamilton (2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024)
  • Lando Norris (2025)
As for constructors, Ferrari is the most successful with 18 wins. Mercedes’ dominance through Hamilton helped close the gap recently, bringing them to 15 wins. Ford and Renault also have double-digit wins with 14 and 12 wins, respectively. 

Other Notable Winners

  • Michael Schumacher: The seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher, celebrated winning 3 times (1998, 2002, and 2004). 
  • Alain Prost: Four-time world champion Alain Prost experienced winning at Silverstone on 5 different occasions (1983, 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1993). 
  • Ayrton Senna: Four-time world champion Ayrton Senna experienced winning at Silverstone during his first championship in the 1988 season. 
  • Fernando Alonso: Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso won at Silverstone twice during the 2006 and 2011 seasons. 
  • Mika Häkkinen: Two-time world champion Mika Häkkinen won at Silverstone during the 2001 season. 
  • Kimi Räikkönen: won at Silverstone once during his championship season in 2007. 
  • Sebastian Vettel: Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel celebrated winning twice during the 2009 and 2018 seasons. 
  • Nico Rosberg: One-time world champion Nico Rosberg won at Silverstone during the 2013 season. 
  • Max Verstappen: Four-time world champion Max Verstappen won at Silverstone during the 2023 season. 

Silverstone Records

Most Wins & Podiums - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton holds the F1® record for the most wins at a single circuit with 9 wins at home. He won the majority of these during his championship years of 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.  His last win came in the 2024 season despite Mercedes’ overall struggle to compete for the championship. Another notable record set by Hamilton is his 13 podiums at Silverstone. 

Fastest Lap Record - Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton.  

The fastest lap record during a Grand Prix was set by Max Verstappen during the 2020 season. He set a time of 1 minute and 27.097 seconds. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, holds the record for fastest lap during a qualifying session, setting a time of 1 minute and 24,303 seconds. Both these records were set during the 2020 World Championship season. 

Most Consecutive Pole Positions - Mercedes 

Mercedes' dominance between 2014 to 2020 is perfectly illustrated through their 9 consecutive pole positions at Silverstone. Hamilton contributed the majority of these pole positions with 6, followed by two from Valtteri Bottas and another from Nico Rosberg. 

F1® 2025 British Grand Prix Preview

This year’s race at Silverstone promises to be exciting once again. With the excitement building, here are some things to look forward to come race day:

Hamilton's first home race for Ferrari:

The upcoming 2025 British Grand Prix is Lewis Hamilton’s first race at home for Ferrari. Despite the Scuderia struggling with the SF-25, no doubt there’ll be plenty of the home crowd fans and the Tifosi cheering on the home-grown driver. Will he deliver and surprise the fans with an unprecedented 10th grand prix win in a single track? 

Battle at the top continues to intensify: 

Lando Norris will be looking to get back on track and reel in his in-form teammate at the top of the championship standings. Both McLaren drivers will have to be in great form. However, the McLaren duo will have to look out, as Max Verstappen in third place will be looking to take advantage. 

Potential first home wins

There are three Brits present on the grid: Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris. However, only Hamilton has had that experience of taking the top step in front of his home crowd.  With Lando looking to bounce back and cut into his teammate’s lead, and George Russell looking to be in fine form. Could we see first-time home race wins for either of these drivers? 

The Green Room Experience

Hospitality Finder is proud to offer official F1® BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2025 hospitality packages on practice, qualifying, and race days at Silverstone.  Entertain your guests in the very best surroundings and give them The Green Room experience at Silverstone. Take a look below at the amazing highlights from The Green Room: