Six Experiences in Britain for Formula 1 and Driving Fans - Launch of new season of Drive to Survive
With the 2023 Formula 1 (F1) season officially underway and Netflix’s popular Drive to Survive docuseries recently returning to our screens for another action-packed season, now is the time to embrace first-hand the world of high-speed and discover why Britain is teeming at the seams with several unique experiences that every Formula 1 and motorsport fan will be racing to get behind the wheels of.
Visit the birthplace of F1 at Silverstone
When not hosting the British Grand Prix every summer, visitors to Silverstone can get their hearts racing on the track with a range of behind the wheel driving experiences. Whether it’s Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari or a Formula Single Seater, F1 aficionados can go full throttle as they follow in the footsteps of racing legends on the UK’s only Formula 1 track and all whilst under the careful guidance of world-class instructors. Afterwards, visit Silverstone’s Interactive Museum for a close up look at the stories and science behind British motor racing, or keep the wheels in motion with Silverstone’s one-of-a-kind racing simulator experience. Learn about the history of British motor racing at the very place where it all began, Silverstone. Home to the first Formula One Grand Prix Championship in 1950, Silverstone has produced some of Formula One’s most historic and memorable racing moments.
Pedal to the Metal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
In February 2023, Formula 1 announced a 15-year strategic partnership with Premier League football club, Tottenham Hotspur to bring a brand-new motorsport experience to London. Visitors to the capital will soon be able to experience the world’s first in-stadium electric karting facility and London’s longest indoor track when it opens to the public in autumn 2023. The new facility will offer separate tracks accredited by the National Karting Association for both adults and juniors, as well as interactive motorsport activities and new food and beverage outlets. The two sporting forces will also collaborate on sustainability initiatives that promote environmental responsibility throughout the partnership, as well as launch a new driver academy programme which will help to identify the next generation of F1 drivers. Visitors looking for even more ways to experience that adrenaline rush can afterwards climb to new heights at Tottenham with the Dare Skywalk.
Discover the need for speed at Pendine Sands, Wales
Located on the south west coast of Wales, Pendine Sands is one of Wales’ longest sandy beaches that’s made a name for itself as the site for many world breaking land speed attempts, for both cars and motorbikes. Stretching from Gilman Point to Laugharne Sands, Pendine is a popular spot for holidaymakers and for those looking to drive across the 11 kilometres of golden flat sand. In 2023, the Pendine Sands Museum is slated to reopen following a major £7 million development. The museum will also offer visitors the chance to test their own strength on a new simulator experience. In June, motorsport fans should not miss the annual Hot Rod Races (10 – 18 June 2023) that will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with two-days of non-stop racing action on the historic beach. Through modern interactive exhibits and physical artefacts from the past, visitors to the new museum will be able to learn about the beach’s fascinating history for both record breaking land speed attempts and its major role in World War Two for practicing ‘D-Day’ landings.
See the largest private collection of Formula 1 cars in the world
Fans of Formula 1 will find themselves agape at the Williams Racing Experience Centre in Grove, Oxfordshire. For those looking to get behind the wheel, the centre offers 20 Esports Lounge Simulators over Formula 1 race weekends. Consisting of practice, qualifying and race heats, F1 enthusiasts can pre-book to compete across four hours on the latest official Formula 1 game. Located at the home of Williams Formula 1 team, the centre offers escorted tours to the public of the largest private collection of Formula 1 cars in the world with their Heritage Collection Tour, available on select dates between June to October. The collection spans the entire history of Williams, commencing with the inaugural Williams FW06 up to the present day. As part of the experience, visitors will also enjoy a walk-through of the ‘Champions Gallery’, as well as a short film documentary on the history of Williams Racing.
Go off road in the Highlands with Land Rover
For those looking to take things off the tarmac track, head to Perthshire, Scotland for an off-road adventure throughout the Highlands with Land Rover. Located on the shores of Butterstone Loch, visitors will be immersed in the all-terrain capability of a Land Rover as they traverse some of the most picturesque scenery in Scotland. Guided by Land Rover’s expert instructors, both half or full day adventures are available and provide the opportunity for off-roading enthusiasts to explore over 240 kilometres of wild highland estate all whilst navigating the steep hills, boulders, slippery slopes and rutted, woodland tracks of Loch Lomond. Visitors will leave the experience not only with spectacular photography but with a greater ability in vehicle control, obstacle handling and how to assess different terrain.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
Held in the stunning parkland surrounding Goodwood House in West Sussex, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is aptly described as “motorsport's ultimate summer garden party” and a global celebration of car culture that will turn anyone into a racing car fan. Having built up a history spanning 200 years of major sporting events, Goodwood goes all out each summer for the Goodwood Festival of Speed as cars and bikes – both old and new - blast up the iconic 1.8 kilometre Hillclimb track. Over the four-day festival, spectators can catch a glimpse of the latest F1 vehicles from teams like Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren and will also have the chance to meet some of the biggest names in F1, MotoGP, and more. This year’s festival will take place from 13 – 16 July 2023 and tickets are available now.
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