Silverstone, UK – August 25, 2025 – The Silverstone Festival 2025 signed off in spectacular style, delivering one of the biggest and best editions in its 35-year history. With record-breaking crowds of over 100,000, packed grids, world-class entertainment, and a once-in-a-lifetime Formula 1 World Champions Collection, the legendary retro racing festival reaffirmed its status as the world’s premier celebration of historic motorsport.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame

The Festival’s roots trace back to 1990 with the pioneering Christie’s BRDC Historic Festival. Under the 17-year leadership of Nick Wigley, the event has transformed into a global motorsport icon, boasting Guinness World Records, industry awards, and a reputation as the gold standard of retro racing festivals.

“This has been one of the very best weekends we’ve ever had,” said Wigley. “The racing was incredible, the atmosphere was fantastic, and even the British Bank Holiday weather played its part. I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved.”

Celebrating 75 Years of Formula 1

A major highlight was the World Champions Collection, staged in the International Paddock to mark 75 years of Formula 1 at Silverstone, the birthplace of the championship. For the first time ever, fans saw cars raced by all 34 F1 World Champions, from Giuseppe Farina’s 1950 Alfa Romeo 158 to Max Verstappen’s title-winning Red Bull RB18. More than two-thirds of the display featured the exact cars that secured championship victories.

Historic Racing Thrills Fans

Across three days, Silverstone hosted 20 retro races that revived the golden eras of Formula 1, GT, prototypes, touring cars, and sports cars.

• A world-record grid of nearly 60 post-war 500cc F3 cars thrilled fans on Sunday.
• Former F1 star Jan Magnussen shocked the paddock by claiming pole in the Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy.
• The return of Group C prototypes saw legends Thierry Boutsen and Stefan Johansson back on track.
• Touring car heroes Colin Turkington, Jake Hill, Rob Huff, Tom Ingram and Steve Soper joined the fun, alongside TV personalities Richard Hammond and Chris Harris.
• Sir Chris Hoy and other stars added to the electric atmosphere.

The packed programme also included dramatic wins in the Stirling Moss Trophy, Masters Racing Legends (Formula 1 ’66–’85), MRL GT3 Legends, and Derek Bell Trophy, showcasing cars and drivers from across decades of motorsport history.

Entertainment Beyond the Track

The infield buzzed with attractions: Formula 1 fan zones, stunt shows, car club parades, fairground rides, shopping villages, and even driving lessons for youngsters. Food lovers enjoyed the Foodie Fest, featuring TV chefs, artisan stalls, and a guest appearance by Jeremy Clarkson and Lisa Hogan.

Evenings were alive with live music performances from Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David presents TS5, and Ministry of Sound Classical, which closed the Festival with a spectacular laser light show.

A Record-Breaking Farewell

As the curtain fell, awards were presented to car clubs, standout displays, and the most admired racing machines. The Caterham and Lotus 7 Club was named Adrian Flux Car Club of the Show, while Steve Hartley’s double-winning McLaren MP4/1 took the coveted Stuart Graham Trophy.

Fittingly, the final chequered flag fell on the iconic 1970 Lola T70, closing a chapter in Silverstone Festival history after 35 unforgettable years of retro racing and entertainment.

Next year, the August Bank Holiday weekend at Silverstone will welcome CarFest, as the historic racing festival passes the torch after cementing its legendary status.