Live Stream: Goodwood roars to life with 75 years of F1 glory

The legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed roared to life on Thursday, launching a four-day celebration of motorsport history – with the spotlight firmly on 75 years of Formula 1.

Held at the iconic Goodwood House in West Sussex, this year’s event promises to be one of the most unforgettable editions yet, uniting motorsport’s biggest names, iconic cars, and motorsport milestones.

With thousands of fans flocking to the estate just days after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Festival is serving once again as a living museum of Grand Prix greatness.

A Tribute to F1’s Glorious Past

The centerpiece of the celebration will be Saturday’s special gathering of F1 World Champions, featuring icons such as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mika Hakkinen, and Mario Andretti. These racing legends won’t just be waving from the sidelines – they’ll be firing up legendary machines and tackling the famed Goodwood Hillclimb.

Fans will see Mansell behind the wheel of the Williams FW11, the car that delivered his first British Grand Prix win in 1986. Meanwhile, Prost will relive his dominance in the McLaren MP4/4, one of the most successful cars in F1 history. Additional appearances from Gerhard Berger, John Watson, and Emanuele Pirro round out a stellar historic lineup.

In a special tribute, the event will also honor Derek Bell on the 50th anniversary of his first Le Mans victory, which he claimed in a Mirage GR8 with co-driver Jacky Ickx.

Present Meets Past: Modern F1 Takes the Hill

Goodwood isn’t just about the past – it’s a celebration of the ongoing evolution of motorsport. Several current F1 names are taking part, bridging the gap between eras.

Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman are scheduled to steer the team’s VF-23, while Gabriel Bortoleto will showcase a 2013-spec Sauber C32, now branded in the colors of the Stake F1 Team. In a unique twist, Haas team owner Gene Haas and team principal Ayao Komatsu will drive F1 cars publicly for the first time, marking Haas F1’s 10th anniversary in the sport.

Williams team boss James Vowles will take a nostalgic drive in Mansell’s FW14B, offering a symbolic connection between leadership and legacy.

Adding engineering prestige to the occasion, Adrian Newey, recently appointed Aston Martin’s chief technical officer, will get behind the wheel of two cars that reflect his career journey: his very own Lotus 49B from 1968 and his very own design, the Leyton House CG901.

The event also includes runs of iconic F1 machines such as the Ferrari F2002, McLaren M23, Jordan 198, and Benetton B191, giving fans a rare chance to witness these classics in action.

More Than Just F1: Le Mans, Superbikes, and Supercars

While Formula 1 is the focal point this year, the Festival of Speed continues to deliver across all disciplines. McLaren will mark 30 years since its F1 GTR claimed victory at Le Mans, with the famous endurance racer taking a turn on the hill.

Motorbike fans are also in for a treat. On Friday, the event will celebrate the career of four-time World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty, recognizing his immense contribution to two-wheel racing.

As the engines echo through the Sussex countryside, Goodwood reaffirms its status as the ultimate motorsport garden party, where nostalgia, performance, and cutting-edge engineering collide.

With a rich blend of past glories and future promise, this year’s Festival of Speed is not just a tribute to 75 years of Formula 1 — it's a rolling testament to the unbreakable bond between racing and the fans who live for it.

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