The British Grand Prix is always a highlight of the F1 calendar, but if you thought you knew everything there is to know about this famous race, think again! We’ve dug through the history books and unearthed 10 incredible facts you definitely didn’t know about the British Grand Prix.
1). The British Grand Prix was the first ever Formula 1 race and along with the Italian Grand Prix is the oldest race on the F1 calendar. The debut race was held in 1950 and was attended by King George VI, who remains the only reigning monarch to have attended the British Grand Prix.
2). There have been 12 British of the British Grand Prix. Jim Clark currently holds the record for the most wins with five, but Lewis Hamilton is hot on his heels with four. If Lewis claims victory at this weekend’s race he’ll not only match Clark’s record, it will also be his fourth consecutive win at Silverstone.
3). During a single lap of Silverstone drivers shift gear roughly 34 times, they also spend approximately two thirds of a lap at full throttle.
4). The famous Silverstone circuit is built on the site of a former RAF base, which was once used to deploy the Wellington Bomber. The three former runways are still within the outlines of the track.
5). Not only is the British Grand Prix one of the biggest races of the Formula 1 season, it’s also one of the booziest. It’s estimated that over 10,000 bottles of wine will be drunk over the course of the weekend, as well as over 6,000 bottles of Champagne!
6). Former F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg recorded the fastest lap in F1 history at the 1985 British Grand Prix. He averaged an incredible speed of 160.92mph, which wasn’t beaten for 17 years.
7). Silverstone may be known as the much-loved home of the British Grand Prix, but two other circuits have also hosted the race. Both Brands Hatch and Aintree hosted the race regularly until 1986 when Silverstone became the undisputed home of the British Grand Prix.
8). Securing pole position at the British Grand Prix doesn’t always guarantee you top spot on the podium. Less than half of the drivers to qualify on pole have gone on to win the race.
9). Ferrari’s first Formula 1 win came at the British Grand Prix in 1951, since then they’ve bagged a further fourteen victories at the British Grand Prix making them the most successful team at the event.
10). Last year’s race marked the first time both the British Grand Prix and the Men’s singles title at Wimbledon have been won by British sportsmen on the same day.
This year’s British Grand Prix marks the halfway point in the fight to be crowned world champion, which means it’s even more of a must-see than ever! Let us know who you’re tipping for the title in the comments below..