Running up that hill

The fastest motor show on the planet? Goodwood Festival of Speed once more played out its trump card as the most moving racing event in the world. The sheer quality of the line-up was once again breathtaking.

Just try to add this up in your mind. There is the 20 years of Red Bull Racing as a F1 constructor, with the likes of Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Christian Horner, Adrian Newey showcasing the history of the RBs on the drive in front of Goodwood House.

Racing royalty

Then there was the tribute to Richard Petty, not just NASCAR royalty but an overall racing legend as well. The sight of the Duke (of Richmond) and the King (of NASCAR) together on the balcony of Goodwood House is not one to forget easily.

Rallymen

It’s not just the asphalt heroes. The Festival of Speed has a special stage carved out in the woods as well. Carlos Sainz – here with Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux – was at hand to demonstrate his new Dakar weapon; the Ford Raptor.

Smoking

For some, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is not so much Kate Bush, as it is Deep Purple. Ferrari’s new British talent Oliver Bearman for instance, seen here laying a strategic smoke screen in the Ferrari SF71H that Sebastian Vettel (actually the big absentee this year) campaigned in 2018. Bearman (19) successfully stepped in for Carlos Sainz Jr at the Saudi Arabian GP this year, scoring points and seeing his drive rewarded with a seat with Haas next season.

Other highlights were Juan-Pablo Montoya getting back behind the wheel of his Williams FW26, with BMW V10 power. “It’s stupidly fast,” he smiled afterwards. Also noteworthy, Lia Block’s F1 debut in a Williams FW08. Lia Block is the daughter of Ken Block and part of Williams’ F1 academy.

130 years of Mercedes in racing

130 years in racing makes more sense if you see what that actually stands for. Mercedes brought out a huge selection of its racing cars to emphasize that if there is one brand that has always embraced motorsport throughout its history, it’s this one.

Motor show

And finally, there is the aspect of manufacturers coming down to the UK to show their new cars on the hill climb. Goodwood Festival of Speed has simply become the British motor show, with Porsche showing the new 911, Red Bull presenting its first hypercar, Mika Häkkinen driving the McLaren V10 Solus. And so much more.

Mark your diaries, the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed is set to take place from 10 – 13 July. You can follow for tickets here.