The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed is bringing together a remarkable collection of current and former Formula 1® drivers alongside iconic cars from various eras. Taking place from July 9 to 12, the event offers a unique platform for demonstration runs without conflicting with the Formula 1® calendar, allowing fans to witness a diverse showcase of motorsport talent and machinery.
Among the current Formula 1® drivers attending are reigning champion Lando Norris, who will be behind the wheel of the McLaren MCL60 from 2023 and will also debut the McLaren MCL-HY hypercar in public. Kimi Antonelli, the current points leader, is present as well, seen driving a Mercedes road car. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will take to the hillclimb in the 2012 Lotus E20, famously driven by Kimi Räikkönen. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda will showcase the RB17 track-only supercar designed by Adrian Newey, who is also attending the festival.
The festival also features a strong representation of former Formula 1® drivers and world champions, including legends such as Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Gerhard Berger, Thierry Boutsen, Damon Hill, Bruno Senna, and Jean-Eric Vergne. Beyond Formula 1®, notable motorsport figures like Valentino Rossi, Sebastien Loeb, Sebastien Ogier, Petter Solberg, and Nasser Al-Attiyah are participating, highlighting the event’s broad appeal across different racing disciplines.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates motorsport heritage with an impressive lineup of historic cars from teams like Ferrari, Williams, Benetton, Mercedes, and Lotus. Iconic sportscar racers, including Le Mans winners Tom Kristensen and Derek Bell, will be present with vehicles such as the Porsche 962, Ford GT MKII, and McLaren F1 GTR. Valentino Rossi will demonstrate the BMW V12 LMR Le Mans-winning car and also ride a 2020 Yamaha M1 motorcycle, bridging the gap between two- and four-wheeled racing.
In addition to the historic and current Formula 1® machinery, the festival will feature future-focused vehicles like the 2025 Aston Martin AMR25 and Formula E’s new Gen4 prototype electric racing car, which Dan Ticktum will demonstrate. This blend of past, present, and future highlights the event’s role as a non-competitive celebration of motorsport innovation and legacy.
The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed offers fans a rare opportunity to see a wide range of racing legends and machines in action outside the pressures of competition. With current Formula 1® stars alongside celebrated former drivers and champions from other motorsport categories, the event underscores the enduring appeal and rich history of the sport.
