If you’re experiencing the British Grand Prix blues, don’t be sad it’s over, be excited that the Goodwood Festival of Speed is back. For those still getting over an incredible weekend of racing at Silverstone, we’d prescribe a healthy dose of legendary cars, drivers, and great prizes – available in excellent supply at Goodwood this week.

Ahead of its return, we’ve prepared a preview of the annual event, answering all of your key questions, from which cars we’re taking and who will be driving them, as well as our tips for enjoying the Festival of Speed and how to get there in the first place.

What is the Goodwood Festival of Speed?

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual celebration of all that is great about the wonderful world of motoring. Perfect for those obsessed with motorsport, supercars, speed, or even just a day out in the sunshine (fingers crossed).

Known as Britain’s ultimate motoring garden party, the Festival of Speed is a yearly event held on the 12,000-acre Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, near Chichester.

Attended by various racing teams, automotive brands, and forward-thinking companies, it brings together the past, present, and future of the motorsport and automotive worlds and draws in a wide variety of fans.

While at the festival, you can see cars from the automotive and racing worlds, view and participate in their famous car auction, enjoy live BMX and motocross demonstrations in the Action Sports Arena, or participate in various activities in the family area, with Scalextric, toy cars, face painting, and much more on offer. 

The star of the show is Goodwood’s famous Hillclimb – the defining feature of a 1.16-mile-long circuit situated within the Estate. Throughout the event, cars from the past, present and future are wrestled around the circuit and launched up the Hill by current drivers and legendary names from the racing world.

Which cars will you be running, and who will be driving them?

Our 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed line-up is a belter, with four iconic McLaren Racing cars set to run up the Hill.

On Saturday and Sunday, one of the greatest racing drivers of all time will step back into one of the greatest race cars of all time. Alain Prost will get behind the wheel of the MP4/4, on loan from Nicholas & Shelly Schorsch of the Audrain Collection, which won 15 out of 16 races during the 1988 season. Alain took seven of those victories, playing a key role in our Constructors’ Championship win that year.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of our 1985 Championship win, Alain will also take his title-winning MP4/2B up the Hill on Saturday and Sunday, while Mika Häkkinen will drive it on Saturday as well.

Thirty years after our 24 Hours of Le Mans win, J.J. Lehto will drive the legendary McLaren F1 GTR on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Bruno Senna will also take our first Formula 1 Championship-winning car, the M23, up the Hill on Saturday and Sunday.

Where can we find McLaren Racing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed?

Fans can find our garage in the Formula 1 Paddock, where our papaya-clad team of experts will be on hand to answer all your questions and to talk you through the history of the cars on display.

Our team will be firing up and tinkering with the various cars on display throughout the day, while taking every opportunity to take any willing ears on a tour through history via their catalogue of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

In addition to the cars going up the Hill, we’ll be displaying the MCL60, wrapped in our Google Chrome Legacy at Speed livery enhancement, which we ran at this year’s 2025 British Grand Prix. We’ve also brought our 2008 Drivers’ Championship winner, the MP4-23, which will be with us in the garage.

And we’ll have a Batak challenge for you and your friends and family to take on and plenty of prizes and freebies to give away.

McLaren Automotive will join us at Goodwood with a selection of their favourite cars, stationed at McLaren House, along with a McLaren Store stocked full of official merchandise.

Freebies and prizes?!

We’ve got plenty of driver cards and McLaren bracelets to give away, as well as plenty of prizes to be won, including McLaren caps and teamwear.

When is the Goodwood Festival of Speed?

The Goodwood Festival of Speed kicks off this week, 10 – 14 July, with gates opening at 07:00 each day.

The weather is constantly changing, but is currently expected to be warm. Please check the forecast on the day and arrive suitably prepared. Remember to drink plenty of water and use high-protection sun lotion.

We would also encourage you to keep an eye on those around you and to alert staff if you spot someone who may be feeling unwell.

How do I get to the Goodwood Festival of Speed?

If you’re planning to drive, you can park at the event for free, but queues are likely, so we’d advise arriving in plenty of time.

You can also get to Goodwood by train from cities such as London, Brighton, and Portsmouth. Chichester is the closest station, and a shuttle bus service runs from 07:00 to 20:00. The bus leaves from the outside of the station and takes you directly to the event.

Can I get tickets?

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed sold out in record time, but you can watch the action for free here. Please note that coverage may not be available in all areas.

For more information and to keep track of all of the action, sign up to McLaren Plus and download the McLaren App.