The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025, held from July 10–13 at the iconic Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, once again proved why it’s the world’s premier motoring festival. Under the theme “The Winning Formula – Champions & Challengers”, the event brought together historic legends, cutting-edge technology, and some of the fastest machines on the planet for four days of unrelenting automotive excitement.
From classic F1 cars to futuristic EVs, from Hillclimb thrills to drifting spectacles, the festival offered fans a unique chance to experience motorsport’s past, present, and future all in one place.
Commemorating 75 Years of Formula 1
This year marked the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, and Goodwood celebrated in style. More than 100 F1 cars spanning seven decades lined the estate, offering a rolling history of the sport—from the sleek, minimalist machines of the 1950s to today’s hybrid-powered marvels like the Mercedes W14 and Ferrari SF-24.
Seven living F1 champions—Jackie Stewart, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, and Mario Andretti—gathered on the “Champions Balcony”, sharing stories, reflections, and insider anecdotes with fans. The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the Ultimate Grid, which saw legendary cars from different eras roar up the Hillclimb together, creating a spectacle that bridged generations.
Gordon Murray: Honoring Six Decades of Innovation
Goodwood’s central sculpture this year paid tribute to Professor Gordon Murray, one of motorsport’s most visionary engineers. Suspended above the estate grounds were the legendary Brabham BT52 and the cutting-edge GMA T.50, a striking visual reminder of Murray’s enduring influence.
The festival also featured a full showcase of Murray’s achievements, from the McLaren F1 to the latest GMA hypercars. Panels and talks offered fans an inside look at his philosophy of lightweight design, aerodynamic mastery, and driver-focused engineering. A special unveiling of GMA’s newest hypercar provided a first-hand glimpse of innovation in motion.
Hillclimb Thrills: Speed, Smoke, and Precision
The 1.16-mile Hillclimb remains the centerpiece of Goodwood, and 2025 saw some of the most spectacular runs in recent memory.
- Romain Dumas piloted the Ford SuperTruck, completing the climb in 43.23 seconds, marking one of the fastest times ever. Its electric powertrain delivered a blistering combination of torque and agility.
- “Mad” Mike Whiddett dazzled crowds with his rotary Mazda RX-7, while high-performance EV drifters like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Drift Spec and Volvo EX30 Performance Concept showcased the next generation of sideways action.
- The Forest Rally Stage brought rally legends Kalle Rovanperä, Thierry Neuville, and Elfyn Evans to the fore, joined by iconic Group B cars like the Audi Quattro S1 and Lancia Delta Integrale, delivering a perfect mix of nostalgia and modern speed.
- Premieres and Supercar Highlights
The 2025 festival was packed with over 50 new and world-first vehicle debuts, many of which climbed the Hill for the first time.
ICE & Hybrid Cars:
- Ferrari F80 Concept: A 1,200 hp hybrid combining heritage and cutting-edge tech.
- Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster: A long-tail tribute to endurance racing.
- Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear: Over 2,000 hp of electrified fury.
- McLaren W1: Lightweight, aerodynamic, and track-focused.
- Aston Martin Valhalla: Hybrid V8 performance meets futuristic design.
EV & Sustainable Vehicles:
- Porsche Cayenne EV Prototype: A 1,000 hp SUV tackling the Hill like a performance machine.
- BMW Vision Neue Klasse: A vision of the future with minimalist design and AR dashboards.
- Alpine A290 Rallye and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Drift Spec: Small but capable machines proving EVs can thrill.
Every debut was more than a showcase—they were demonstrations of performance, technology, and innovation in real-time, bringing the future to life on the Hill.
Future Lab: Exploring Tomorrow’s Mobility
The Future Lab offered visitors hands-on experiences with technologies that could redefine transportation:
- Autonomous and flying cars
- AI-driven racecars and haptic steering systems
- Marine EVs and sustainable material innovations
- Advanced battery tech and electric propulsion concepts
It highlighted that the next chapter of mobility will be as much about interaction, intelligence, and sustainability as it is about speed.
Bonhams Auction: Cars for Collectors and Connoisseurs
The Bonhams auction added luxury and drama to the festival:
- Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: £1.55 million
- Mercedes-AMG ONE prototype: £2.45 million
- Classic Jaguars and Lancias: Including a D-Type replica and Aurelia Spider
From hypercars to classic collectibles, the auction offered something for every high-end enthusiast.
Entertainment and Atmosphere
Goodwood isn’t just about cars—it’s a full festival experience.
- Red Arrows thrilled spectators with daily aerial displays.
- Interactive sim racing zones allowed fans to test their skills virtually.
- Family-friendly areas, food trucks, and luxury hospitality made the estate lively and welcoming.
It’s this combination of motorsport adrenaline and festival atmosphere that makes Goodwood so uniquely compelling.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Festival of Speed was more than just an automotive showcase—it was a living, roaring tribute to 75 years of F1 excellence, a celebration of pioneers like Gordon Murray, and a glimpse into the future of mobility across ICE, hybrid, and electric platforms.
Fans experienced the roar of historic engines, the precision of modern EVs, and the innovation of tomorrow’s concepts—all in one immersive setting. For anyone with a passion for cars, technology, or motorsport, Goodwood 2025 delivered a weekend to remember.
