It’s not every day that you get to witness, not one, not two, but seven of Formula 1 World Champions under one roof, unless, of course, that roof is of the iconic Goodwood House in England. This year, between July 10-13, as the Festival of Speed (FOS) marks 75 years of F1, the weekend event that is set to draw a crowd of nearly 200,000 strong, is pulling off a once-in-a-generation gathering with a lineup of some of the sport’s most celebrated personalities, each with their own trackborne battle scars, trophies, and stories to share.
They include:
- Sir Jackie Stewart: The humble Scotsman dominated Formula 1 in the late ’60s and early ’70s, securing championships in 1969, 1971, and 1973. Known as much for his relentless push for driver safety as for his pace, Stewart will be reunited with both the Tyrrell 003 and 006.
- Emerson Fittipaldi: A trailblazer for Brazilian motorsport, Fittipaldi became the youngest F1 champion at the time when he won in 1972, before claiming a second title in 1974. He will take to the hill in the McLaren M23.
- Mario Andretti: One of the most versatile drivers in racing history, Andretti won the 1978 Formula 1 title in the revolutionary ground-effect Lotus 79. The American racing legend will once again be seen in that very car.
- Alain Prost: Popularly known as the ‘Professor,’ he went up against the likes of the great Ayrton Senna. The Frenchman triumphed in the 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1993 seasons. He will drive the McLaren MP4/2 B.
- Nigel Mansell: Yet another F1 legend who took on Senna, the British driver for his gritty driving style and unmistakable mustache, Mansell stormed to the 1992 title in the technologically advanced Williams FW14 B. That’s the same car he’ll pilot up the hill at Goodwood.
- Jacques Villeneuve: Son of the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques carved out his own path by winning the 1997 championship in only his second F1 season. He returns to Goodwood as one of Canada’s most successful racing drivers to date.
- Mika Häkkinen: The Flying Finn is best known for his fierce battles with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher in the late ’90s. Häkkinen took back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999. He’ll drive the sleek and dominant silver McLaren MP4/13.
With a collective 14 titles to boast between these drivers, the balcony moment on Saturday, July 12, will be a historic one, with interviews to be hosted by none other than F1 driver and presenter, Karun Chanhok. On Sunday, the spotlight will be on Prost, as Goodwood will commemorate 40 years since his first 1985 title, as he arrives in the famed red and white livery McLaren MP4/4. That same day, the “Ultimate Grid” hillclimb will see all manner of Formula 1 cars, old and new, taking part, celebrating the full 75-year history of grand prix racing.
It is also worth noting that the event won’t be confined to drivers alone, as some of F1’s brightest minds: Adrian Newey, Professor Gordon Murray, and Ross Brawn, who helped shape the modern era of the pinnacle of Motorsport, will also be on site. While tickets for the event are almost gone, if you’re an F1 fan, this summer event is going to be pretty action-packed and one that you won’t want to miss, even if it is on the live stream.
Image Source: Goodwood
