On this day 75 years ago, Formula 1 began with its first world championship race at Silverstone Airfield. The post-war series was designed to show off the racing excellence of international manufacturers on the same stage. Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Talbot, Maserati, ERA and Alta all built their cars to a specific set of regulations, and Formula 1 was born.
Since the start of the world’s most-followed motorsport, 1,131 races have been run at 77 different circuits. Exactly 787 drivers have taken part, with 34 drivers of those winning world championships.
At first glance, you might think that a rural, sleepy county like Gloucestershire has anything to do with the bustling, billion-pound industry that Formula One has become. But, you might be surprised. Have a look down below to see some of Gloucestershire’s most fascinating Formula 1 links.
Three of Formula 1’s extensive links to the county of Gloucestershire:
Most recently, Cheltenham-based driver Zak O’Sullivan was a part of the Williams Driver Academy and even took part in FP1 at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He also competed in Formula 2 in 2024, winning in Monaco. O’Sullivan has since moved to Japan, where he now competes in the respected Super Formula and Super GT divisions.
CarGuy MKS Racing. Super GT300. Let’s get it 😎
— Zak O’Sullivan (@ZakOSullivan) March 31, 2025
📸 Takumi Yano pic.twitter.com/9GmaddmsPI
Sticking with Williams, the Grove-based team also tested at Cotswold Airport near Cirencester in 2009. Nico Hulkenberg, who is still driving in Formula 1 with Sauber, was behind the wheel. The team were testing a new front wing on the runway. As well as Williams, Force India and famed one-season wonders Brawn GP also tested on the runway earlier in the same year. “From a racing driver’s point of view, it’s not exciting as there are no corners!” Hulkenberg explained to BBC Points West at the time.
Stroud driver Jackie Lewis drove in nine championship Grands Prix between 1961 and 1962. The BRM driver started his racing career in Cheltenham, purchasing a Cooper-Norton from Cheltenham-based driver Ivor Bueb. He once again lives in Stroud, the town of his birth, after spending 18 years as a sheep farmer in Carmarthenshire. He retired from racing due to feeling disappointed with his overall results, opting for a peaceful life on the farm.
