With the 2022 season almost upon us, and the epic battle between Hamilton and Verstappen to come it’s going to be an exciting one!
Formula One racing is one of the most popular sports in the world. People from all over the globe tune in to watch the races, which take place in some of the most beautiful locations on earth. But did you know that Formula One racing has a rich history in the United Kingdom?
The first ever Formula One World Championship race was held at Silverstone in 1950. This event was a huge success, with over 100,000 people attending the race. British driver Giuseppe Farina went on to win the first ever Formula One world title.
Formula One racing continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the most famous drivers in history competed in this era, including Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill. The British Grand Prix became one of the most prestigious races on the F-One calendar.
Unfortunately, Silverstone was forced to stop hosting the British Grand Prix in 1986 due to financial problems. However, a new circuit – known Donington Park – took over hosting duties from 1987 onwards.
In the early 1990s, British constructor Williams emerged as a dominant force in Formula One. Led by drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, Williams won five Constructors’ Championships between 1992 and 1997.
The British Grand Prix returned to Silverstone in 2010 after Donington Park was unable to secure the necessary funding to host the race.
Some Best Known British F1 Drivers
As the British Grand Prix approaches, we take a look at some of the best known British F& drivers.
Lewis Hamilton is arguably the most successful British driver in Formula One history. He made his debut in 2007, and has since gone on to win World Championship after World Championship, making him one of the most successful drivers of all time. But can he do it again?
Here are just a few of the other great British drivers who have graced Formula One:
- Jim Clark: A two-time World Champion, Clark is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time. He was tragically killed in a racing accident in 1968.
- Graham Hill: Another two-time World Champion, Hill is the only driver to have won the Triple Crown of Motorsport (the Monaco Grand Prix, the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Indianapolis 500).
- John Surtees: The only person ever to win world titles on both two and four wheels, Surtees was also a successful motorcycle racer. He retired from Formula One in 1970.
So, as you can see, Britain has a long and proud history of producing great Formula One drivers.
The Formula One car
Formula One cars are now some of the most technologically advanced machines on earth, but their origins date back over 80 years ago. The first ever Formula One car was designed by British engineer Reid Railton in 1934 for the Maserati team. It was powered by a supercharged V12 engine and had a top speed of 190 mph – impressive even by today’s standards!
The Circuits
There are many great Formula One circuits around the world, but some stand out above the rest. Here are four of the best Formula One circuits in the world:
Monaco: The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic and prestigious races in all of motorsport. The tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo make for a very challenging circuit, and it is always a spectacular event.
Spa-Francorchamps: Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is one of the longest and most demanding tracks on the Formula One calendar. It features a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners, making it a real challenge for drivers.
Suzuka: Suzuka in Japan is another legendary circuit that is a favourite of drivers and fans alike. It is one of the most challenging tracks on the calendar, with a mix of fast straights and tight corners.
Circuit de Catalunya: The Circuit de Catalunya in Spain is one of the most modern Formula One circuits, and it has quickly become a fan favourite. It features a wide variety of corners that make for an exciting race.
Silverstone: Silverstone is a legendary circuit that has been hosting Formula One races since the very first season in 1950. It is one of the oldest and most revered circuits on the calendar, and it always provides a great spectacle for fans. The track is fast and challenging, with a mix of high-speed straights and tight corners.