Silverstone Circuit (The Ultimate guide)

British Silverstone Circuit map

The Silverstone Circuit is a motor racing circuit located in Silverstone, Northamptonshire, England. It is the home of the British Grand Prix, which is held annually as part of the Formula One World Championship. The circuit is also used for other motorsports events such as the MotoGP British Grand Prix and the Silverstone Classic.

Table of Contents

Watch this video to learn more about Silverstone.

History and Construction of the Circuit

The history of motorsports in Silverstone Circuit dates back to the 1940s when the Royal Air Force used the airfield for training purposes. In 1947, an organization called the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) organized a race on the airfield, which marked the beginning of motorsports in Silverstone. In 1948, the circuit held its first official race, the RAC International Grand Prix, which was won by Italian driver Luigi Villoresi.

The circuit was initially a flat airfield circuit, but over the years, it has undergone several changes and developments. In the 1950s, the circuit was modified to its current layout, which included the addition of several corners and changes to the track’s layout. The circuit also underwent major renovations in the 1990s, which included the construction of new pit buildings and grandstands.

The current layout of Silverstone Circuit is a 5.891 km (3.66-mile) track that features 18 turns. The circuit is known for its high-speed sections, including the famous Copse corner and the Hangar Straight. The circuit is also known for its challenging corners, such as the Maggots-Becketts-Chapel complex, which is considered one of the most demanding sections of track in Formula One.

Circuit Guide

First Grand Prix

1950

Number of Laps

52

Circuit Length

5.891km

Race Distance

306.198km

Lap Record

1:27.097 Max Verstappen (2020)

Famous features of the Silverstone Circuit

  • The circuit’s high-speed sections, including the famous Copse corner and the Hangar Straight, are known to provide an exhilarating experience for both drivers and fans.
  • The circuit’s challenging corners, such as the Maggots-Becketts-Chapel complex, are considered some of the most demanding sections of track in Formula One.
  • Silverstone Circuit is home to the Silverstone Wing, which is the largest pit complex in Formula One and features state-of-the-art facilities for teams and media.
  • The circuit is located in the heart of England and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
  • The circuit features a variety of grandstands, including the famous Woodcote grandstand, which provides fans with a panoramic view of the track.
  • The circuit also features a range of hospitality options, including VIP suites and corporate hospitality packages.
British Silverstone Circuit map

Racing at the Silverstone Circuit

The British Grand Prix is the most famous race held at Silverstone Circuit. The race is a round of the Formula One World Championship and is considered one of the most prestigious and historic races on the calendar. The circuit has also hosted other major motorsports events, including the MotoGP British Grand Prix and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The track’s high-speed sections and challenging corners make it a favorite among drivers and teams. The circuit’s layout provides a good balance between high-speed and slow-speed sections, making it a challenging and demanding track to race on. Some of the most memorable moments in the circuit’s history include Nigel Mansell’s victory in the 1987 British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s historic win in the 2014 British Grand Prix, and Lewis Hamilton’s win in the 2020 British Grand Prix, where he equaled the record of the most wins at the British Grand Prix.

Compared to others Formula 1 circuits

RaceCircuitCircuit lengthRace distanceLaps
Monaco Grand PrixCircuit de Monaco3.337km260.286km78
Dutch Grand PrixCircuit Zandvoort4.259km306.648km72
Austrian Grand PrixRed Bull Ring4.318km306.452km71
Mexican Grand PrixAutodromo Hermanos Rodrígues4.304km305.354km71
Brazilian Grand PrixAutodromo Jose Carlos Pace4.309km305.879km71
Canadian Grand PrixCircuit Gilles-Villeneuve4.361km305.270km70
Hungarian Grand PrixHungaroring4.381km306.630km70
Spanish Grand PrixCircuit de Barcelona-Catalunya4.655km307.104km66
Singapore Grand PrixMarina Bay Street Circuit5.063km308.706km61
Australian Grand PrixMelbourne Grand Prix Circuit – Albert Park5.303km307.574km58
Bahrain Grand PrixBahrain International Circuit5.412km308.238km57
Miami Grand PrixMiami International Autodrome5.410km308.37km57
Chinese Grand PrixShanghai International Circuit5.451km305.066km56
United States Grand PrixCircuit of the Americas5.513km308.405km56
Abu Dhabi Grand PrixYAS Marina Circuit5.554km305.355km55
French Grand PrixCircuit Paul Ricard5.842km309.690km53
Italian Grand PrixAutodromo Nazionale Monza5.793km306.720km53
Las Vegas Grand PrixLas Vegas Street Circuit6.120km305.880km50
Japanese Grand PrixSuzuka International Racing Course5.807km307.471km53
British Grand PrixSilverstone Circuit5.891km306.198km52
Azerbaijan Grand PrixBaku City Circuit6.003km306.049km51
Saudi Arabia Grand PrixJeddah Corniche Circuit6.175km308.750km50
Belgian Grand PrixCircuit de Spa-Francorchamps7.004km308.052km44

Facilities and Amenities

The Silverstone Circuit offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for spectators, teams, and media. Spectators can enjoy grandstand seating, hospitality packages, and VIP experiences, while teams and media have access to the circuit’s state-of-the-art pit and paddock complex. In addition, the circuit offers a range of nearby hotels and transportation options, making it easy to get to and from the circuit.

Winners at British Grand Prix

These are the drivers who won the British Grand Prix in previous years (from 2010-2022):

2010: Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)

2011: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)

2012: Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)

2013: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2015: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2016: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2017: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2018: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

2019: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2021: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2022: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

How to Buy Tickets for the British Grand Prix

Purchasing tickets for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit is a straightforward process. There are a variety of ticket options available, including grandstand seating and hospitality packages. The official circuit website, as well as authorized ticketing agents, are the best places to purchase tickets.

Pricing and availability for tickets can vary, with early bird discounts and promotions often offered. It is recommended to purchase tickets well in advance, as they can sell out quickly.

When buying tickets, it’s important to consider the seating location and any important deadlines for purchasing. Grandstand seating options offer different views of the circuit, so it’s important to choose a location that best suits your preferences.

It’s also important to be aware of the refund, exchange and cancellation policy for the tickets. In case of any unexpected change of plans, it’s good to know the options available.

How to bet on the British Grand Prix

Betting on the British Grand Prix is a popular way for fans to get more involved in the race and potentially win some money. There are a variety of betting options available, including predicting the winner of the race, the podium finish, and even the fastest lap.

Before placing any bets, it’s important to research the drivers and teams, and consider factors such as their performance in previous races and their current form. It’s also important to be aware of the rules and regulations for betting on motorsports in your country.

Frequently asked questions about the Silverstone Circuit

What types of motorsports events are held at the Silverstone circuit?

The Silverstone Circuit hosts a variety of motorsports events, including the British Grand Prix, which is a round of the Formula One World Championship. The circuit also hosts MotoGP, the British Touring Car Championship, and various other racing series.

What amenities and facilities are available at the Silverstone circuit?

The Silverstone Circuit offers a variety of facilities and amenities for spectators, teams, and media. These include grandstand seating, hospitality suites, food and beverage options, and merchandise stands. The circuit also offers VIP packages, which include access to exclusive areas and amenities.

Can I buy tickets to watch the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit?

Yes, tickets for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit can be purchased through the official circuit website or authorized ticketing agents. It's important to purchase tickets well in advance as they can sell out quickly.

Conclusion

The Silverstone Circuit is one of the most iconic and historic circuits in motorsports. It has been the host of the British Grand Prix for many years and continues to be one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar. 

The circuit offers a challenging and exciting track for drivers, as well as a variety of facilities and amenities for fans.

In recent years, the circuit has undergone major renovations and developments to improve the spectator experience and enhance the facilities. The future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit looks bright, with plans for further improvements and developments in the works.

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