The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed brought together a remarkable gathering of Formula 1® teams, drivers, and historic racing cars for a weekend of motorsport celebration. Held on July 9-10, shortly after the British Grand Prix, the event showcased the sport’s rich heritage alongside its current stars.
Eight Formula 1® teams participated, including Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Alpine, Racing Bulls, Williams, and Aston Martin. The festival featured a variety of show runs and hillclimb demonstrations, giving fans a unique opportunity to see both modern and classic machines in action. Notable drivers such as championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, and others took part in the festivities.
The event also highlighted historic cars, with the 1976 McLaren M23 once driven by James Hunt and the Williams FW18, famously piloted by Damon Hill, making appearances. Williams team principal James Vowles himself drove the FW18 during the festival. Ferrari Ambassador and former Formula 1® driver Marc Gene performed demonstration runs, adding to the event’s connection between past and present.
Alongside the established Formula 1® drivers, the festival also featured emerging talents from the F1 Academy, including Alisha Palmowski and Nina Gademan, who took part in runs at Goodwood. The presence of both current stars and rising drivers underscored the event’s role in celebrating the sport’s ongoing development.
The Goodwood Estate’s owner, the Duke of Richmond, was also involved in the event, meeting with Kimi Antonelli during the weekend. This interaction reflected the close ties between the festival and the wider motorsport community.
Overall, the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed offered a distinctive showcase of Formula 1®’s history and present, combining thrilling demonstrations with a gathering of teams and drivers. The event provided fans with a rare chance to experience the sport beyond the racetrack, highlighting its heritage and the talents shaping its future.
