In just a few days, the legendary Silverstone Circuit will transform into the ultimate shrine for motorsport fans, as it hosts the Silverstone Festival 2025 from 22–24 August. This year’s event carries extra weight and prestige, marking the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with what organisers promise will be the largest gathering of F1 World Champion cars ever assembled in history.

The centrepiece, known as the World Champions Collection, will bring together machines linked to all 34 drivers who have claimed the sport’s ultimate crown, from 1950 to the present day. It’s a celebration that bridges generations — showcasing everything from the rumbling front-engined titans of the 1950s to the cutting-edge hybrid power units of today.

From Farina to Verstappen: Every Champion Represented

Silverstone’s link to Formula 1 is deeply rooted in history. It was here, in May 1950, that the first-ever points-paying F1 race took place, won by Giuseppe Farina in an Alfa Romeo 158. That very model will feature in the collection, standing alongside legends such as Jim Clark’s Lotus 25, Jackie Stewart’s Tyrrell 006, Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/4, Michael Schumacher’s Benetton B194, Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes-AMG F1 W11, and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull RB18.

For many champions, the actual title-winning cars will be on display — more than two-thirds of the machines in the lineup are originals from their championship seasons. Others will be period-correct examples, painstakingly sourced from museums, heritage collections, and private owners worldwide.

Britain’s Proud F1 Legacy

British motorsport fans will take special pride in the fact that ten of the 34 world champions have hailed from the UK. Their achievements will be celebrated with cars representing Mike Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jenson Button, and Lewis Hamilton.

The display will include rare highlights, such as John Surtees’ 1960 MV Agusta motorcycle — a nod to his unique place in motorsport history as the only man to win world championships on both two and four wheels.

An Evolution of Engineering

The World Champions Collection will be more than just a nostalgic line-up. It’s a chronological showcase of Formula 1’s technological journey:

• 1950s–60s: Front-engined machines in national racing colours, replaced by revolutionary mid-engined designs.
• 1970s–80s: The rise of aerodynamics, turbocharging, and carbon fibre monocoques.
• 1990s–2000s: Electronic driver aids, semi-automatic gearboxes, and increased safety innovations.
• 2010s–2020s: Hybrid V6 power units, data-driven performance, and sustainability-driven design.

Behind the Scenes: A Collector’s Effort on a Global Scale

Bringing together a complete set of championship-winning cars has been an enormous logistical feat. Organisers worked closely with current and former F1 teams, private collectors, global museums, and even the families of past champions. Each car has been carefully transported, inspected, and prepared to be displayed in immaculate condition for the public.

Nick Wigley, Event Director for Silverstone Festival, said:

“Silverstone is the birthplace of Formula 1, and it’s only fitting that we celebrate 75 years of this incredible sport in a way that has never been done before. Seeing every champion represented — in one place, at one time — is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

A Blend of Motorsport and Art

Adding an extra layer of prestige, renowned motorsport artist Paul Oz will display life-size bronze sculptures of some of F1’s most iconic champions — including Lewis Hamilton, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, and Ayrton Senna. These sculptures, each capturing a frozen moment of intensity, will be positioned alongside the relevant championship cars for maximum visual impact.

Historic Racing Action On-Track

While the World Champions Collection will be a static spectacle, Silverstone Festival 2025 will also deliver three days of live racing drama on the Grand Prix Circuit:

• HGPCA Grids: Pre-1966 Maseratis, Coopers, and Lotuses, recreating the golden era of Grand Prix racing.
• Masters Racing Legends: Formula 1 cars from the Cosworth DFV era, roaring back to life.
• World-Record 500cc F3 Grid: Nearly 60 tiny Formula 3 cars replicating the 1950 British GP’s support race.

Beyond Racing: A Festival for Everyone

The Silverstone Festival is not just about motorsport; it’s a full family-friendly event. Visitors can enjoy:

• Live music from Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David presents TS5, and Ministry of Sound Classical
• Funfair rides and stunt shows for all ages
• Classic car displays, featuring over 100 car clubs
• Food villages and artisan markets
• Free entry for children aged 15 and under with a paying adult

Tickets and Event Details

• Dates: 22–24 August 2025
• Location: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, UK
• Tickets: Available via the official Silverstone Festival website
• Family Offer: Kids 15 and under enter free with a paying adult

Why This Event Matters

For fans, collectors, and historians, this gathering represents a unique intersection of culture, sport, and heritage. Not only does it honour the drivers who have reached the pinnacle of motorsport, but it also showcases the relentless innovation that defines Formula 1.

As the sport looks toward a sustainable future — with synthetic fuels, net-zero carbon goals, and an even closer connection to road-car technology — the World Champions Collection offers a chance to pause and reflect on the journey so far.