Wembley Stadium

Lore & Background

Wembley Stadium hosted a unique motorsport moment on December 14, 2008, during the 21st Race of Champions. While the track proved slippery enough to cancel a planned race between Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy and Lewis Hamilton—Hoy could not take part on his bicycle—the stadium still became the stage for Hamilton's first major British public appearance since winning the F1 title. He demonstrated his championship-winning Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One car, bringing the roar of a world champion to a venue known primarily for football. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans gathered to see the 2008 world champion in action, even if the original head-to-head matchup against the cyclist had to be scrapped due to track conditions.

In Their Own Story

The day unfolded with high stakes and specific challenges. Two special races were originally scheduled, including a unique contest pitting Chris Hoy on his bicycle against Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes road car. However, the slippery track at Wembley forced organizers to cancel the cycling portion; Hoy could not take part. Despite this setback, the event continued with other highlights. Hamilton took to the wheel of his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One car, delivering a demonstration that thrilled the crowd. This appearance was significant as it represented his first major British public outing since clinching the 2008 F1 World Championship. The day also featured a celebrity race where eight figures competed in Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corses, including boxers Frank Bruno, David Haye, Amir Khan, and Enzo Maccarinelli, chef James Martin, footballer Bacary Sagna, singer Shayne Ward, and Chris Hoy.

Reader's Guide

Visitors to the 2008 Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium on December 14 saw a mix of motorsport and celebrity entertainment. The main attraction was Lewis Hamilton's demonstration in his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One car, his first major British public appearance since winning the title. Fans who attended witnessed this historic moment despite track conditions that prevented Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy from racing against Hamilton as planned. Beyond the F1 display, attendees could watch a celebrity race featuring eight participants driving Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corses. The lineup included notable figures such as boxers Frank Bruno and David Haye, chef James Martin, footballer Bacary Sagna, singer Shayne Ward, and Chris Hoy himself.

Did You Know?

• Lewis Hamilton made his first major British public appearance since winning the F1 title at this event.
• Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy was unable to participate in the bicycle race against Hamilton due to a slippery track.
• Eight celebrities competed in Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corses during the event, including boxer Frank Bruno and footballer Bacary Sagna.
• The 2008 Race of Champions was the 21st running of the event.
• Hamilton drove his championship-winning Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One car for a special demonstration at Wembley Stadium.