Brundle and Bearman Celebrate 75 Years of Formula 1 at Silverstone
07 July 2025• Past and present F1 drivers turn the clocks back to 1950
• Preview of the incredible World Champions Collection at Silverstone Festival
• Full story featured on Sky Sports F1 and in Motor Sport magazine
• Wide range of tickets on sale, with best prices in advance
As excitement builds for next month’s Silverstone Festival, which will be marking the birth of the Formula 1 World Championship, Sky Sports F1 has produced a special feature commemorating this historic milestone, inaugurated at the Northamptonshire circuit in 1950.
Aired ahead of last weekend’s British Grand Prix, the film features Sky Sports F1 presenter Martin Brundle and current Haas F1 driver Ollie Bearman behind the wheels of two iconic cars that competed in that very first F1 race 75 years ago.
Brundle took the wheel of the Alfa Romeo 158 – the legendary Italian machine that dominated post-war Grand Prix racing – while Bearman drove an ERA R4A, several of which lined-up behind the all-conquering Alfas on the 1950 Silverstone grid.
The Alfa Romeo 158 was so dominant that it swept all three podium positions in the very first points-scoring F1 race. Factory driver Giuseppe Farina not only won that landmark race but also secured the first official World Championship title at the end of the season.
Commemorating these achievements, the glorious Alfa will return to Silverstone for the Festival as part of The World Champions Collection – an extraordinary display featuring an F1 car raced by every one of the 34 World Champions to date, from Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina to Max Verstappen.
“Silverstone has an amazing F1 history and heritage,” said Brundle, who remains in awe of the courage shown by drivers from earlier eras. “Every time you get out of one of these cars, you wonder how they did that – they really were gladiators, to say the least.”
Bearman echoed the sentiment: “I’m a huge fan of the sport, so I have a decent amount of knowledge about the past,” he said. “The ERA was by far the oldest car I’ve ever driven, but I was quite shocked by its power and acceleration. It was an incredible experience and an absolute pleasure.”
For those who missed the original broadcast, an extended version of the feature is now available on the Sky Sports F1 YouTube channel. It can be viewed here.
Additionally, the August issue of Motor Sport magazine (on sale 9 July) includes a nine-page feature covering the special day. It pays tribute to Silverstone’s unique place in F1 history and nods to the exciting celebrations planned for next month’s Silverstone Festival.
To witness the spectacular World Champions Collection in person, a wide range of tickets is available – including camping and hospitality packages. The best prices are available to those who book in advance.
Held over the end-of-summer Bank Holiday weekend (22-24 August), Silverstone Festival offers activities for all ages and children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult (although they do need a ticket).
All tickets include access to an incredible line-up of family-friendly entertainment, such as live music from Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David presents TS5, and Ministry of Sound Classical. Additional attractions include traditional funfair rides, stunt shows, and much more. Admission also includes entry to the award-winning Silverstone Museum.
Further information on the 2025 Silverstone Festival and full ticket details are available here.
