Silverstone to Celebrate 75 Years Since Hosting First F1 World Championship Race
The 2025 edition of the annual Silverstone Festival will celebrate 75 years since the track hosted Formula 1’s first-ever points-scoring Grand Prix. The highlight of the program is a race that will bring together a group of rare historic racers.
Located about two hours north of London, the Silverstone track is arguably where Formula 1 as we know it today was born. The first world championship event was the 1950 British Grand Prix, which was held at Silverstone on May 13, 1950. And while all eyes were on the Formula 1 cars then, it’s the small, Formula 3 cars with a motorcycle-derived, 500cc engine that the Silverstone Festival has chosen to highlight in 2025.
In hindsight, the Formula 3 racers were significant for a number of reasons. They featured a mid-mounted engine that later influenced Formula 1 cars. And, they gave future Formula 1 champions the chance to make a name for themselves on the track. Stirling Moss, who was 20 years old at the time, notably raced a Formula 3 car in the 1950 British Grand Prix; he took second place after his engine gave up in the last corner.
Somewhat surprisingly, enough of the Formula 3 racers survived to organize an on-track reunion. The organizers are expecting 54 cars from 10 countries including France, Denmark, Sweden, and the United States. At least 18 brands will be represented such as Bond, Emeryson, Kieft, IOTA, and Cooper.
The on-track action will also include two additional grids that haven’t been announced yet. Numerous other race cars ranging from competition versions of modern supercars to classic F5000s will race as well.
This year’s Silverstone Festival will take place from August 22 to 24. Tickets are on sale now starting at £50 (about $62) for general admission on Friday, August 22. Weekend tickets start at £75 (about $93) per day. Kids under 16 get in free, and there are several more expensive options for enthusiasts who want a multi-day experience that includes a road tour of the countryside in a classic car and a parade lap of the track.
