The British GP is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Formula One. It is held at the Silverstone GP Circuit in England, which hosted the first ever F1 World Championship race in 1950. The British Grand Prix is usually held in July and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world.
With its fast-paced track and rich history, this race is a must-see for anyone who loves the thrill of Formula One. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the track layout, the history of the event, and what makes the British GP so special.
Index For the Article
- F1 Silverstone 2023
- The History Of Silverstone
- Silverstone Track Layout
- The Best Places to Watch the Race
- Tips For Attending the Event, Incl Parking and Accom
- The Top Drivers And Teams To Watch Out For
- British G
- History Of The Silverstone Racing Track In England
- Brad Pitt F1 Silverstone
- Silverstone F1 Circuit Address
- Where To Find Silverstone Grand Prix Tickets
Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit – The Official Home of the British GP
As the official home of British motor racing, the Silverstone Circuit is the ultimate destination for fans of the sport. Join us for the Silverstone Grand Prix and witness the action first hand.
British GP 2023
The 2023 British GP is held runs at the iconic Silverstone circuit. The events run between Friday the 7th July to Sunday the 9th July 2023.
We list the schedule below.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Race | 9-Jul | 15:00 |
| Qualy | 8-Jul | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Prac 3 | 8-Jul | 11:30 – 12:30 |
| Prac 2 | 7-Jul | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Prac 1 | 7-Jul | 12:30 – 13:30 |
The History of the British GP
The Silverstone F1 Grand Prix has a rich history dating back to 1948 when it was first held as a non-championship race.
On May 13, 1950, history was made at the Silverstone GP Circuit in England. It was the day of the first ever F1 World Championship race, also known as the British and European GP.
The race was attended by a royal audience, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, and witnessed by an estimated 120,000 spectators. It was a day of glory for Alfa Romeo, who dominated the race with their powerful and reliable 158 cars.
It was also a day of triumph for Giuseppe Farina, who became the first winner of a world championship F1 race.
The Planning Behind the First Silverstone F1 Grand Prix
The British GP was the culmination of years of development and innovation in motor racing, which had been interrupted by World War II.
The F1 regulations were introduced in 1946 by the Fédération Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport. The rules specified that the cars had to have a maximum engine capacity of 1.5 liters if supercharged, or 4.5 liters if normally aspirated. The minimum weight was set at 650 kg.
The first F1 race was held in Turin in 1946, but it was not part of a world championship. The FIA decided to create a world championship for drivers in 1950, consisting of seven races: four in Europe and three in North America.
British GP Was the First F1 Race
The British GP was chosen as the first round of the championship, and also as the Grand Prix d’Europe, a prestigious title that had been awarded to races in Italy and France before.
The Silverstone Circuit was a former Royal Air Force airfield that had been converted into a racing track after the war. It had a fast and flowing layout, with seven corners and a 4.6 km length.
The pit lane and starting grid were situated between Abbey and Woodcote corners, with the cars lining up in a 4-3-4 formation.
The First British GP Had 21 Drivers and Cars
The entry list for the race featured 21 drivers from nine different countries, representing six teams and four manufacturers. The most prominent team was Alfa Romeo, who had won the pre-war European Championship with their 158 model, also known as the Alfetta.
The car had a supercharged 1.5 litre straight-eight engine that produced around 350 horsepower. Alfa Romeo had three of the best drivers of the era: Giuseppe Farina, Luigi Fagioli and Juan Manuel Fangio, known as the “Three Fs”.
Farina was a veteran racer who had won several Grands Prix before the war. Fagioli was an experienced and aggressive driver who had also won many races. Fangio was a rising star from Argentina who had impressed in South America and Europe.
Alfa Romeo’s Challengers
The main challengers to Alfa Romeo were Maserati and Talbot-Lago. Maserati had two models: the 4CLT-48 and the new 4CLT-50. Both cars had supercharged 1.5 liter four-cylinder engines that delivered around 280 horsepower.
Maserati’s drivers included Prince Bira of Thailand, a member of the royal family and a notable racer; Baron Emmanuel de Graffenried of Switzerland, who had won the British Grand Prix in 1949; and Louis Chiron of Monaco, one of the oldest drivers on the grid at 50 years old.
Talbot-Lago had normally aspirated 4.5 litre six-cylinder engines that produced around 240 horsepower. Their cars were heavier and slower than their rivals, but more reliable and fuel-efficient.
Talbot-Lago’s drivers included Yves Giraud-Cabantous and Louis Rosier of France; Cuth Harrison and Brian Shawe-Taylor of Britain; and Philippe Étancelin of France, who was also one of the oldest drivers at 53 years old.
The other teams were ERA, Alta and HWM. ERA had supercharged 1.5 litre six-cylinder engines that generated around 260 horsepower. Their drivers were Bob Gerard and Peter Walker of Britain.
Alta had supercharged 1.5 liter four-cylinder engines that delivered around 230 horsepower. Their only driver was Joe Fry of Britain.
HWM had normally aspirated 2 liter four-cylinder engines that produced around 130 horsepower. Their drivers were John Heath and Geoffrey Crossley of Britain
Over the years, the race has seen many memorable moments, including Nigel Mansell’s famous win in 1987, where he famously waved the British flag on his victory lap.
The race has also been the site of many championship-deciding moments, making it a crucial event in the F1 season.
The Best Places to Watch the British GP
Whether you are looking for overtaking opportunities, fast and furious corners, or pit lane drama, there is a grandstand for you. Here are some of the best places to watch the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix.
Silverstone GP – Club Corner
This is one of the most popular and prestigious grandstands at Silverstone. It offers a perfect balance of views of the main straight and the last sequence of corners.
You can see the cars take on the sharp left of Vale and then accelerate around Club corner onto the start/finish straight. You can also watch the race start and finish, the pit stops, and the podium ceremony.
Club Corner is a great place to feel the heart of the action and the atmosphere.
Silverstone GP – Stowe
This is another classic Silverstone corner that has seen many memorable moments in F1 history.
It is a fast right-hand corner at the end of the Hangar Straight, where drivers can reach speeds of over 300 km/h before braking hard. It is a good overtaking spot, as well as a place to see the cars demonstrate their speed and downforce.
Stowe also offers a distant view of Vale and Club corners. There are three Stowe grandstands: A, B and C. Stowe B is probably the best situated of them for viewing both directions.
Silverstone GP – Becketts
This is a sequence of four high-speed corners that are taken between 235 and 310 km/h.
They are considered one of the most demanding and rewarding sections of any F1 track, as they test the drivers’ skill, concentration and car balance.
The drivers have to change direction quickly and smoothly, while managing the lateral and vertical forces on their bodies and cars.
The last corner, Chapel, leads to the Hangar Straight. Becketts offers a great view of this spectacular section of the track, as well as a glimpse of Copse corner at the beginning of it.
Silverstone GP – Woodcote
This is a fast right-hand corner that follows Luffield, a long and slow corner that requires good traction.
Woodcote leads to the National Pits Straight, where drivers can reach speeds of over 300 km/h before braking for Copse corner. Woodcote offers a wide view of multiple corners, as well as some overtaking action.
You can see the cars emerge from Luffield and accelerate through Woodcote onto the straight. You can also see them brake for Copse corner at the other end of it.
Silverstone GP- International Pit Straight
This is an area of Silverstone that has seen constant development in recent years.
It is where the new Pit and Paddock complex is located, as well as the start/finish line.
International Pit Straight offers a great view of the pit lane activity, as well as some overtaking action on the straight.
You can see the cars exit Club corner and blast past you on their way to Abbey corner. You can also see them enter Abbey corner at high speed before disappearing from view.
These are some of the best places to watch the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix, but there are many more options to suit your preferences and budget. Silverstone is a circuit that rewards bravery, precision and consistency.
Tips For Attending the British GP, Incl Parking and Accom
The Silverstone Grand Prix is one of the most popular and exciting events on the F1 calendar.
It attracts hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world, who come to witness the thrill of motorsport at the historic and iconic circuit.
If you are planning to attend the Silverstone Grand Prix, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, including parking and accommodation options.
Parking At Silverstone GP
Parking at Silverstone can be tricky, especially on race day, when traffic can be very heavy and congested.
The best way to avoid parking problems is to book your parking spot in advance, either online or by phone. You can choose from different parking zones around the circuit, depending on your ticket type and preferred location.
Parking prices vary depending on the zone and the day, but they are usually cheaper if you book early.
Alternatively, a better option is to use public transport to get to Silverstone, such as buses or trains.
There are regular bus services on Grand Prix weekend to Silverstone from the following locations.
- Central London
- Milton Keynes
- Northampton
- Oxford to Silverstone
The busses will drop you off near the circuit entrance which is very convenient.
You can also take a train to one of the nearby stations, such as Milton Keynes Central or Northampton, and then take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Silverstone. However, be prepared for long queues and delays, especially on race day.
Accommodation At Silverstone GP
Accommodation near Silverstone can be scarce and expensive during Grand Prix weekend, so it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance.
You can choose from different types of accommodation, depending on your budget and preference.
One of the most popular and convenient options is camping. There are several campsites around Silverstone, offering different facilities and amenities.
Woodlands Camp Site
The official Silverstone campsite is Woodlands, which is located behind Club Corner and Stowe.
Woodlands provides electric hook-up camping pitches, permanent shower blocks and toilets, a pub, food stalls, a fairground and a circus. It also has a great atmosphere and a flag competition among campers.
Bed And Breakfast Accommodation At Silverstone
Another option is staying in a hotel or a bed and breakfast. here are many hotels and B&Bs within a short drive from Silverstone, offering comfortable rooms and services.
However, they tend to be very expensive and fully booked during Grand Prix weekend, so you need to book early and compare prices. Some of the nearest towns with hotels and B&Bs are Towcester, Brackley, Buckingham and Milton Keynes.
Stay In London
A third option, and probably the best if you have not booked yet is staying in London.
London has a much better selection of accommodation than the surrounding areas of Silverstone, catering to different tastes and budgets.
You can also enjoy the attractions and nightlife of the capital before or after the Grand Prix. From London, you can take trains or buses to Silverstone, but be prepared for a long journey of at least two hours each way.
These are some tips for attending the Silverstone Grand Prix, including parking and accommodation options.
Whatever you choose, make sure you plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment and stress. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the spectacle of F1 at Silverstone!
The Top Drivers And Teams To Watch Out For
The battle between the top four teams is epic. While Red Bull is dominant the next three places are going to be closely fought between Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari.
This is one of Lewis Hamilton’s most successful events. He has won at Silverstone eight times, in the following years.
- 2008
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
Lewis holds the record for the most wins at the British Grand Prix and at the same racetrack. Hamilton also won his home Grand Prix in 2021 despite a penalty for colliding with Max Verstappen on the first lap.
The British GP
The British Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Formula One. It is held at the Silverstone Circuit in England, which hosted the first ever F1 World Championship race in 1950. The British Grand Prix is usually held in July and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world.
If you are interested in attending the British Grand Prix you can choose from different types of tickets, such as general admission, grandstand seats, hospitality packages and camping passes.
The prices vary depending on the type of ticket, the location of the seat and the day of the event. The tickets usually go on sale several months before the Grand Prix and tend to sell out fast, especially for popular grandstands and days.
Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets early and compare prices.
The British Grand Prix is a thrilling and exciting event that showcases the best of F1 racing.
You can witness some of the best drivers and teams in F1 compete for glory and points at the historic and iconic circuit.
Enjoy the amazing atmosphere and passion of the unique British fans.
You can also explore the circuit and its facilities, such as the fan zone, the merchandise stalls, the food and drink outlets and the entertainment shows.
The British Grand Prix is a must-see event for any F1 fan or motorsport enthusiast. It is a great opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of F1 racing at one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world.
Silverstone GP Racing Track
Silverstone Circuit is a car racing track in England that hosts the British Grand Prix, one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Formula One.
It is located near the Northampton shire villages of Towcester, Silverstone and Whittlebury.
Silverstone was originally a Royal Air Force airfield that was used during World War II. The track has a fast and flowing layout, with a mix of high-speed corners, long straights and technical sections.
It is 5.891 km long and has 18 turns. It is one of the most challenging and exciting tracks on the F1 calendar.
Silverstone also hosts other racing series, such as MotoGP, World Endurance Championship and British Touring Car Championship.
Silverstone is one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world of motorsport. It has a lot of character and atmosphere, thanks to its rich history and passionate fans.
Brad Pitt British GP
Brad Pitt will take to the track at Silverstone as he continues filming for the forthcoming F1 movie. Lewis Hamilton is co-producing it.
The Hollywood actor, who will play a retired driver making his comeback. They will begin filming on-site at the British Grand Prix in July between the main F1 sessions.
Pitt drives an adapted F2 car that is worked on by Hamilton and his Mercedes engineers.
The project is being led by Joseph Kosinski, director of Top Gun: Maverick and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Lewis Hamilton is involved every step of the way.
“I don’t know absolutely every single plan with all the things we’ll be doing in the paddock, I’m more focused on making sure the script is where it needs to be,” he said in Miami.
Lewis Hamilton
“That’s where all the time is currently, going through the script.
“We’ve got a really great and diverse cast. Joe’s focus is to make us as embedded in this sport as possible. For me it’s to make sure it’s authentic, and that all of you and racing fans see its authenticity and say, ‘this is believable’, and have a view of racing from a different perspective than you might see on TV.
“I’m spending a lot of time right now helping Joe and the team get the script right, it’s an amazing process and I’m really enjoying it.”
Silverstone GP Circuit Address
Silverstone F1 circuit is located in Northamptonshire, England, near the villages of Towcester, Silverstone and Whittlebury. The address of the circuit is:
Silverstone Circuit Towcester Northamptonshire NN12 8TN
You can also use this phone number to contact the circuit: 0844 372 82001.
If you are driving to Silverstone, you can use the M1 or M40 motorways to get close to the circuit. Follow the signs for the A43 and the brown ‘Silverstone’ tourist signs. Alternatively, you can use some country lanes to avoid traffic on the A43.
If you are using public transport, you can take a train to one of the nearby stations. These include Milton Keynes Central or Northampton, and then take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Silverstone.
You can also take a bus from central London, Milton Keynes, Northampton or Oxford to Silverstone on Grand Prix weekend.
British GP Tickets
Interested – here’s how to buy tickets for the Silverstone Grand Prix?
If so, you have several options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference.
You can buy tickets online from the official Silverstone website or from other authorized retailers. You can also buy tickets from resellers or other fans but be careful of scams and frauds.
There are different types of tickets available for the Silverstone Grand Prix, such as
- General Admission
- Grandstand Seats
- Hospitality Packages
- Camping Passes
The prices vary depending on the type of ticket, the location of the seat and the day of the event.
The tickets usually go on sale several months before the Grand Prix. They tend to sell out fast, especially for popular grandstands and days. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets early and compare prices.
Some of the benefits of buying tickets for the Silverstone Grand Prix are:
- You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of watching live motorsport. It is one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world.
- You can witness some of the best drivers and teams in F1 compete for glory.
- You can experience the amazing atmosphere and passion of the British fans.
- You can explore the circuit and its facilities. These include the fan zone, the merchandise stalls, the food and drink outlets and the entertainment shows.
- You can also take part in other activities and events. Silverstone organizes these during the Grand Prix weekend, such as pit walks, autograph sessions, concerts and parties.
For the Silverstone Grand Prix, you can use this advertisement query to find some options:
“Silverstone Grand Prix Tickets”
Conclusion
The British GP is a must-see event for any F1 fan or motorsport enthusiast. It is a great opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of F1 racing at one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world.
