Record Race Grid to Celebrate 75 Years of Formula 1 at Silverstone Festival

• Biggest and best-ever gathering of 500cc F3 cars from the 1950s
• Honouring F1 milestone at the circuit where it all began
• Never-seen-before, full-capacity field of diminutive single-seaters
• Don't miss the Early Bird offer on tickets available until 31 March 

Harking back to the very first official points scoring Formula 1 Grand Prix staged at Silverstone 75 years ago, the unrivalled racecard at this summer’s epic Silverstone Festival includes a very special showdown for charismatic 500cc F3 cars.

Powered by half-litre bike engines, the innovative and affordable 500cc formula provided motorsport-hungry enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to race on disused aerodromes post the Second World War. 

So when the former RAF Silverstone had the honour of staging the opening round of the newly introduced FIA F1 World Championship in 1950, it was no surprise that a colourful field of these pint-sized, 500cc cars provided the only support race in the build-up to the landmark F1 headline feature.

Now, as part, of the amazing 75th anniversary celebrations at this year’s Silverstone Festival, the diminutive single-seaters make a welcome return to the bill… and they return in spectacular style with a world record grid to mark this huge milestone.

Underlining the significance of the occasion, no fewer than 64 entries have been received – all will take to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit for Qualifying on Friday with a full-capacity 54 car grid then lining up for Sunday’s anniversary race. Further iconic models will be on show in the paddock, too.

The line-up includes drivers from ten different countries and 24 different manufacturers including some delightful oddities such as the Dutch-built Larkens, the one off Petty, the ‘Flash Special’, the unique Jason and the only surviving Mackson.

Cooper became the dominant F3 manufacturer in period and just about every evolution from Mk IV to Mk XIII are entered. It was Cooper, of course, which revolutionised the sport by mounting engines behind the driver in its trend-setting 500cc racers.

In a sign of what was to come by the end of the decade, a modified Cooper 500 T12 was entered into the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix (round two of the new FIA World Championship) for American Harry Schell to drive, marking the first appearance of a rear-engined car in an F1 Grand Prix.

Now restored to its original 500cc specification, that same game-changing Cooper T12 will be among those rolling back the 75 years at Silverstone in August.

Back in 1950, a fresh-faced Stirling Moss – aged just 20 – was one of the large Cooper contingent but, after a race-long battle which kept the huge crowds of more than 150,000 well entertained, young Moss was overtaken on the final corner. Victory went to the fast-finishing Wing-Commander Frank Aikens driving the race of his life in an Iota P1.

Two Iota P1s will be among the full-capacity grid at the Festival alongside other notable marques including Emeryson, JBS and Kieft, that were also prominent in 1950.

“It promises to be both an amazing display and a race to remember for fans and drivers alike,” confirmed a delighted Nigel Challis, 500 Club Chairman. “We had a feeling that this very special 75th anniversary commemoration race would be well received but the response has been absolutely incredible.”

Event director, Nick Wigley, is equally excited. “We will be celebrating 75 years of Formula 1 in many great ways at Silverstone Festival this year and this extraordinary gathering of 500cc F3 cars will not just be a remarkable world record but also a huge highlight for many of those attending. The unique sound of those double-knocker engines and the sweet smell of methanol fuel will be hugely evocative.”

The World Champions Collection is another major way that the Festival will be marking the 75th anniversary of F1 at the circuit where it all began. For the first time ever, cars raced by all 34 F1 Drivers’ World Champions will be part of a very special feature display. 

Now including the biggest and best-ever 500cc F3 grid ever mustered, the entry for the race programme over the end-of-summer Bank Holiday weekend looks really strong.

All the sport’s golden years will once again be revived including Masters Racing Legends for F1 cars from the legendary 1966-1985 DFV era and the return of much-loved Group C sportscars. A full list of races as well as a provisional track schedule can be found here.

All Silverstone Festival tickets give access to both racing paddocks, open trackside grandstands plus an incredible line-up of family friendly activities and attractions. These include three evenings of live music concerts from chart-topping performers (this summer’s headliners are Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David presents TS5 and Ministry of Sound Classical), selected vintage fun fair rides, stunt shows and a wealth of other top class family entertainment for all ages. Accompanied children aged 15 and under can attend free (although do need a ticket).

Further information on Silverstone Festival 2025 and full ticket details are available here.