A Spectacular Display of Formula 1 History at the 2025 Silverstone Festival
The 2025 Silverstone Festival was a celebration of 75 years of Formula 1, with a stunning collection of cars representing 33 of the 34 title winners taking center stage. While the on-track action stole the show, the display of historic machines was a visual feast for fans and enthusiasts alike.
Over two days, the festival featured 20 races across various categories, including single-seaters, touring cars, and sportscars. From the 500cc F3 machines of the post-Second World War era to modern 21st-century sports-prototype and GT designs, the event showcased a remarkable range of vehicles that have shaped motorsport history.
Tom Bradshaw Makes a Mark in McLaren MP4/1 Debut
One of the standout performances came from Porsche Sprint Challenge champion Tom Bradshaw, who made his F1 debut driving Steve Hartley’s McLaren MP4/1. The car earned the Stuart Graham Award for the standout vehicle of the event.
Despite never having tested the Cosworth DFV-engined machine before, Bradshaw took pole position for the Masters Racing Legends contest, 0.925 seconds ahead of Matthew Wrigley’s Tyrrell 011. He led the first race from start to finish, surviving a late safety car period to win by 1.3 seconds. On Sunday, he started seventh but managed to claim victory after a partially reversed grid.
“I’m still pinching myself,” said Bradshaw, who had previously shared a garage with Hartley when he drove a Chevron B19. “It’s a childhood dream. Every lap is a gift in this.”
Bradshaw admitted to struggling with the car’s fit due to his height, but he praised its performance, noting that it rewards drivers who push hard.
Behind Bradshaw, Stuart Hall overtook Wrigley at Village on the opening lap of race one, while Werner d’Ansembourg’s Williams FW08 joined the battle for second place.
Peugeot Dominates Endurance Legends as Max Chilton Shines
Ex-F1 driver Max Chilton started strong in the Masters Endurance Legends encounter, leading the initial stages of the first race. However, Steve Brooks’ V8-powered Peugeot 908 soon took control, reaching 174.7mph down Hangar Straight.
Despite a safety car period, Brooks pulled away to win the first race. In the second race, he again claimed victory despite a five-second penalty for being out of position at the start. Chilton, who set the fastest racing lap of the weekend, finished fifth but was later disqualified for ignoring a drive-through penalty.
Jan Magnussen Claims Pole and Podium in Different Cars
Four-time Le Mans class winner Jan Magnussen delivered a remarkable performance, securing a pole position and a podium in very different machines. He shared a Turner GT with Nikolaj Mortensen in the RAC Historic Tourist Trophy for pre-1963 GTs, finishing fourth in the race.
Magnussen then took third in the Masters Sports Car Legends event, driving a Lola T70 Mk3B. Although he couldn’t hold off the Chevron B26 of poleman Darren Burke, he defeated the McLaren M6B of Max and Andrew Banks to complete the podium.
The Le Mans Lotus Wins But Doesn’t Take the Trophy
The RAC Historic TT was won on the road by Michael Gans in a modified Lotus Elite. However, as an Invitation class entry, he didn’t receive the trophy, which went to the Pearsons instead.
Gans, who has only raced the car twice, praised its increased power and handling, noting that it offers more grip and responsiveness than a standard Elite. Despite some challenges, he described the car as “pretty good as it is.”
Rob Huff Competes in a Bumper GT3 Grid
The Motor Racing Legends’ new GT3 Legends initiative attracted 35 cars to Silverstone, including 2012 World Touring Car champion Rob Huff and 2019 British GT title winner Graham Davidson.
Huff’s BMW Z4 initially led the race, but Davidson eventually took the win after a penalty dropped him to second. Danny Winstanley’s Audi R8 LMS finished second, while Alex Buncombe set the fastest lap in the Nissan GTR.
Mowlem and Grimes Fall Short in Sportscar Race
Johnny Mowlem and co-driver Bonamy Grimes were denied victory in the RAC Woodcote and Stirling Moss trophies contest. Mowlem set a stunning pole time, but a pit stop issue cost them the lead. Despite a late charge, they finished 17th, with Andrew Smith taking the win.
Thrilling Finish in Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy
The Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy saw a dramatic climax. Sam Tordoff, driving a Ford Mustang, led early on but fell back after a mandatory pitstop. A late safety car period brought the field together, allowing Tordoff to climb into third. He narrowly missed overtaking the leader, Robert Ross, by just 0.169s.
Winners of the 2025 Silverstone Festival
- Historic Formula Junior – Race One: Sam Wilson (Cooper T59)
- Historic Formula Junior – Race Two: Horatio Fitz-Simon (Brabham BT6)
- RAC Woodcote and Stirling Moss Trophies: Andrew Smith (Cooper Monaco)
- Derek Bell Trophy for F2/F5000 – Races One and Two: Michael Lyons (Lola T400)
- MRL GT3 Legends: Danny Winstanley (Audi R8 LMS)
- Masters Racing Legends (1966-85 F1) – Races One and Two: Tom Bradshaw (McLaren MP4/1)
- Masters Endurance Legends – Races One and Two: Steve Brooks (Peugeot 908)
- Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy (pre-1966): Matt Johnson/Robert Ross (Ford Mustang)
- HGPCA pre-1966 Grand Prix Cars – Races One and Two: Will Nuthall (Cooper T53)
- International Trophy for pre-1966 GT Cars: Julian Thomas (Shelby Cobra Daytona)
- Masters Group C: Andy Soucek (Lancia LC2)
- RAC Historic Tourist Trophy: Michael Gans (Lotus Elite)
- Trophy Winners: John Pearson/Gary Pearson (Jaguar E-type)
- MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge: Julian Thomas (Ford RS500)
- 500cc F3: Tom Waterfield (Cooper-Norton Mk9)
- Masters GT Trophy: Craig Wilkins/Aaron Scott (Lamborghini Gallardo GT3)
- Masters Sports Car Legends: Alex Brundle (Lola T70 Mk3B)
