British Grand Prix

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926 and won by Robert Sénéchal and Louis Wagner driving a Delage 15 S 8. The 1950 British Grand Prix was the first World Championship Formula One race ever held, won by Alfa Romeo driver Giuseppe 'Nino' Farina. The 1951 race was the first F1 race not won by an Alfa Romeo; the more fuel-efficient Ferrari of Argentine José Froilán González took victory in what was Scuderia Ferrari's first ever Formula One win. The British Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix are the only two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix that have been staged during every season that the championship has been held.

In Their Own Story

In 1951, the atmosphere at Silverstone was thick with anticipation as Scuderia Ferrari faced its former parent company, Alfa Romeo. The Alfetta 159 had been a formidable force, but José Froilán González arrived in a Ferrari capable of challenging them. As the race unfolded, Gonzalez managed to secure a historic win, shattering Alfa's dominance on British soil. The victory was so significant that Enzo Ferrari himself reacted with profound emotion, described as crying like a baby when his team finally triumphed over the Alfetta 159s. This moment marked a turning point, proving that the independent Scuderia could compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. Following this breakthrough, Alberto Ascari capitalized on the momentum, securing back-to-back world titles in 1952 and 1953, further cementing Ferrari's status as a premier force in Formula One.

Reader's Guide

The British Grand Prix is currently held at the Silverstone Circuit. The 2019 event was the 70th time the race had been run as a World Championship event since the inaugural season in 1950, and the 53rd time a World Championship round had been held at Silverstone. The event is due to take place at Silverstone until at least 2034.

Did You Know?

• The British Grand Prix was first held in 1926 at Brooklands.
• The 1951 British Grand Prix was Scuderia Ferrari's first ever Formula One victory, won by José Froilán González.
• The British Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix are the only two Grands Prix held every season since the Formula One World Championship began in 1950.
• All British Grands Prix dating back to 1926 have been held in England.