The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed has officially commenced, promising four days of spectacular hillclimb demonstrations featuring current Formula 1 stars, racing legends, and world champions.
As this year’s schedule avoids any conflict with the F1 Grand Prix calendar, the event will see a high turnout of active drivers alongside icons from various other racing disciplines.
Leading the charge is reigning F1 champion Lando Norris, who is set to pilot the McLaren MCL60—the car responsible for his seven podium finishes in 2023. This machine holds special significance for the British constructor, having been launched to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bruce McLaren’s founding of the team.
Norris will also provide a preview of McLaren’s future by driving the MCL-HY, making its public debut before the Hypercar’s scheduled entry into next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Current points leader Kimi Antonelli is also participating in the festivities and was spotted performing burnouts in a Mercedes road car during Thursday’s activities.
The Alpine contingent is represented by Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, who will take turns driving the rebranded 2012 Lotus E20. This is the same V8-powered challenger that Kimi Raikkonen famously drove to victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Red Bull will be represented by rising talent Isack Hadjar, who will drive the Adrian Newey-designed RB17 track supercar alongside the legendary designer himself. Yuki Tsunoda is also scheduled to get behind the wheel of the 1200bhp machine.
The festival will also host a prestigious group of former F1 drivers, including legendary world champions Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi.
Sportscar racing enthusiasts will be treated to appearances by Le Mans 24 Hours winners Tom Kristensen and Derek Bell. The event will showcase several iconic prototype machines, including the Porsche 962, the Ford GT MKII, and the McLaren F1 GTR.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images
From the world of MotoGP, seven-time champion Valentino Rossi will be a major attraction. Having transitioned to car racing, Rossi will drive the 1999 Le Mans-winning BMW V12 LMR, though fans can also see him back on two wheels with a 2020-spec Yamaha M1.
Rallying icons including Sebastien Loeb, Sebastien Ogier, Petter Solberg, and Nasser Al-Attiyah will also be in attendance. Additionally, Dan Ticktum will showcase the future of electric racing by running Formula E’s new Gen4 prototype.
Current F1 drivers at Goodwood
Driver
Car(s)
Lando Norris
McLaren MCL60, McLaren MCL-HY
Pierre Gasly
Alpine E20
Franco Colapinto
Alpine E20
Isack Hadjar
Red Bull RB17
Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull RB17
Former F1 drivers at Goodwood
Driver
Car(s)
Mario Andretti
Chevrolet Camaro IROC
Michael Andretti
Shelby Daytona Coupe
Gerhard Berger
Benetton B186
Thierry Boutsen
Porsche 962, BMW Sauber F1.07
David Brabham
Jaguar XJR-9 LM, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster-S
Karun Chandhok
McLaren M23D, Ford GT MkII
Christian Danner
Benetton B186
Lucas di Grassi
Formula E Spark Gen1
Derek Bell
Porsche 962
Damon Hill
Williams FW11, Williams FW18
Emerson Fittipaldi
Buick Regal
Patrick Friesacher
Red Bull RB18
Marc Gene
Ferrari SF21
Stefan Johansson
Ferrari F2008
Kazuki Nakajima
Toyota GR GT
Arturo Merzario
Ferrari 156 Sharknose
Emanuele Pirro
Ferrari 330 P3/412P
Bruno Senna
McLaren MP4/8B
Jean-Eric Vergne
DS Techeetah FE19
Karl Wendlinger
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Other notable names at Goodwood
- Valentino Rossi
- Tom Kristensen
- Romain Dumas
- Sebastien Loeb
- Sebastien Ogier
- Elfyn Evans
- Johan Kristoffersson
- Nasser Al-Attiyah
- Dario Franchitti
- Adrian Newey
- Giacomo Agostini
- Casey Stoner
- Kevin Schwantz
- Colin Edwards
- Davey Todd
- Jamie Whincup
- Kurt Busch
- Benoit Treluyer
- Petter Solberg
All F1 cars at Goodwood
Year
Car
1937
Mercedes-Benz W125
1961
Ferrari 156 ‘Sharknose’
1976
McLaren-Cosworth M23D
1982
Williams FW08C
1986
Williams-Honda FW11
1986
Benetton-BMW B186
1993
McLaren-Ford MP4/8
1993
McLaren-Ford MP4/8B
1996
Williams FW18
2008
Ferrari F2008
2012
Lotus-Renault E20
2012
Red Bull Racing RB8
2022
Red Bull Racing RB18
2022
Mercedes-AMG W13
2023
McLaren MCL60
2025
Aston Martin AMR25
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