Silverstone Fun Facts from the Home of F1®!

As the Formula 1® juggernaut returns to the spiritual home of motorsport this weekend, the energy at Silverstone Circuit is always electric.

This stunning and very famous race circuit is right in the heart of the British countryside. It isn't just about speeds and nail-biting battles; it's also full of history and quirky facts that make the British Grand Prix truly unique.

Let's dive into some fun facts about Silverstone that even the most seasoned F1® aficionado might find intriguing!

1. The Birthplace of F1® History

Did you know Silverstone hosted the very first Formula 1® World Championship Grand Prix? On May 13, 1950, the lights went out for the first time in what would become the global phenomenon we know today.

It was a monumental day, even attended by King George VI.

2. From Bomber Base to Racing Paradise

Before it became a temple of speed, Silverstone was a Royal Air Force bomber station (RAF Silverstone) during World War II. 

Opened in 1943, its three runways, arranged in a classic triangular pattern, actually form the outline of the present track! 

So, when you see those long straights like the Hangar Straight and Wellington Straight, you're looking at former runways where Wellington bombers once took off. It's a fantastic piece of repurposed history.

3. The 'Mutton Grand Prix'

Before the official F1® race, in September 1947, a group of friends decided to hold a race at the deserted airfield. 

Legend has it that one of the drivers, Maurice Geoghegan, unfortunately ran over a sheep that had wandered onto the airfield. 

The sheep didn't make it, and the car was written off, but the informal event became affectionately known as the "Mutton Grand Prix"! Thankfully, safety standards have improved somewhat since then.

4. Lewis Hamilton: King of Silverstone

If Silverstone is the home of British motorsport, then Sir Lewis Hamilton is its undisputed monarch. 

Lewis holds the incredible record for the most wins at the British Grand Prix, with an astonishing nine victories! 

That's more than any other driver at any single Grand Prix, shared only with his record at the Hungarian Grand Prix and Michael Schumacher at the French Grand Prix.

5. A Fan Attendance Phenomenon

The British Grand Prix isn't just a race; it's a pilgrimage and what we call at Senate Grand Prix as the Mecca of racing.

Silverstone boasts the highest attendance figures on the F1® calendar.

In recent years, the circuit has seen over 480,000 fans attend the event over the weekend, with more than 160,000 packing the grandstands on race day alone.

Silverstone is a circuit that beautifully marries its rich history with cutting-edge technology and a vibrant, unmissable atmosphere. It's a celebration of all that makes Formula 1® the most incredible show on Earth.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!