What makes Silverstone so special: through the eyes of Race Makers

At Silverstone Circuit, speed and spectacle are only part of the story. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of fans descend upon the circuit to witness the British Grand Prix, but it’s the atmosphere that surrounds the event – shaped by the people – which truly brings it to life.

Among them are the Race Makers – the volunteers who give their time to make sure every visitor feels welcome, and that every race weekend runs smoothly. They’re not in the spotlight, but they’re at the heart of the experience.

We spoke to Liz, Paula and Sophie about what it means to be a Race Maker, and why Silverstone continues to stand out in the world of motorsport.

The volunteers who bring Silverstone to life

Race Makers are as varied as the fans who fill the stands.

There’s Liz, a retired teacher who’s been a volunteer since 2016, but a fan for much longer. “I’ve always loved Formula 1 and have been coming since 2005,” she says. “When I retired, I thought I’d try volunteering as it fits in beautifully with all my interests.

“You arrive, and you feel at home. You might have come on your own, but within minutes, you’re part of something.”

Paula, another seasoned Race Maker, lives just down the road from the circuit. Her first time at the British Grand Prix came not from buying a ticket, but from volunteering. “I’d never been before,” she says. “It was coming up to my 50th birthday, and I thought – I’m going to give this a try.

“It’s not just about the race. I love seeing how a massive event like this comes together. It’s fascinating.”

Then there’s Sophie, who became a Race Maker after an 18th birthday trip to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. “I’d been watching F1 with my grandad since I was 10,” she says. “I came as a spectator and fell in love with it.

“When I decided to be a Race Maker, I didn’t have anyone else who wanted to do it with me, so I came on my own. You meet people right away though, from all walks of life and it’s great.”

The role they play

Ask any Race Maker what their role is, and the answer is clear: to make every visitor’s weekend as smooth, exciting and memorable as possible.

“We’re here to make sure people have the best time they can,” says Liz. “A lot of fans have never been before – they don’t know where to go or what to expect. We help with that. We make it less daunting.”

“It’s about being approachable. We might be the only Silverstone representatives some fans meet all weekend,” adds Paula.

The Silverstone spirit

The spirit of Silverstone isn’t just found on the track – it lives in the moments between the action, in the human connections that bring the event to life.

“It was 2008, absolutely pouring with rain,” recalls Liz. “We were soaked through, and we had just changed into dry clothes – then the rain started again.

“A cameraman nearby handed me his copy of Financial Times and said, ‘Sit on that, love’ as he knew we’d just got changed and needed something drier to sit on.”

For Paula, it’s the relationships built over time. “I met an older couple one year at Village and she was finding it quite difficult to walk, but they were so enthusiastic.

“We chatted over the course of the three days and the next year, I was in the same place and so were they and we had another little chat.”

Sophie saw the spirit in a Make-A-Wish moment. “There was a young boy who was getting a paddock tour. Originally it was only for two, but after the boy and his mum entered the paddock, they called out to his dad who was waiting outside with the extra medical equipment.

“We offered to watch it all for them so they could experience it together. They came out with the biggest smiles on their faces. That’s what it’s all about.”

The unmistakable atmosphere

It’s that exact spirit that sets Silverstone apart from other circuits – the atmosphere, the energy and above all the people.

“I got interviewed by Sky in 2012 and they asked me what makes Silverstone so special, and I said the people,” explained Liz. “I still agree with that now.”

“Over the years, it has become more than just the racing, it’s like a festival now,” added Paula. “There is something for everyone to do – adults, kids and families.

“Drive to Survive has brought F1 to a whole new audience and made it more accessible.”

“I think there is a lot of pride for the British drivers, which adds to the atmosphere,” noted Sophie. “It’s nice to see so many different teams being supported around the whole track.”

But what really gives them goosebumps during a race weekend?

“The start, especially the first corner. When you’re watching and there’s an overtake and your favourite driver gets in front, it’s just stunning,” explains Liz.

“The energy of the first lap is unmistakable,” adds Sophie. “Everyone is on their tip toes and it’s so intense and exciting.”

“I love the Red Arrows,” smiles Paula. “The moment they fly over the grid just before the race starts makes my heart almost skip a beat.”

More than just a circuit

A mainstay on racing calendars, Silverstone’s presence goes well beyond racing. It means something different to everyone. For some, it’s where lifelong passions were born, where friendships began or where dreams were made.

“It’s the place where everybody wants to be,” says Liz.

“Whenever I tell anyone I’m at Silverstone, they know what it is and what I’m doing,” adds Paula. “It’s the pinnacle of motorsport in this country.”

“Even outside F1,” says Sophie, “people come just to be here. I was a Race Maker during the BTCC here last year and F1 fans came just because they wanted to experience a day at the track.”

“My husband has never been to a race, but he loves coming up here,” agrees Paula. “He loves running around the track or cycling when he has the opportunity.

“So, Silverstone is definitely one of those places that people just know.”

For all its history and headline moments, what makes Silverstone truly memorable is what happens off the track. It's in the conversations, the shared excitement, the quiet help when someone needs directions or a dry place to sit.

Race Makers like Liz, Paula and Sophie don’t just support the event – they shape how it feels. Their presence reflects what Silverstone has come to represent: a place where people connect, return, and belong.