2026 Festival of Speed theme announced

The 2026 Festival of Speed will rekindle many of motorsport’s most famous rivalries from across the decades, bringing legendary battles back to life during four action packed days at Goodwood. 

Whether it’s on two wheels or four, on a racetrack or a rally stage, it’s the epic rivalries between teams, drivers and riders that have shaped the history of motorsport. Those stories of bitter enmity, respectful combat and intense competition are what make the world of motor racing so dramatic, and the Festival of Speed will be the ultimate stage to get up close and personal with the protagonists of those legendary tales. 

Two particular rivalries will be forming the crux of the celebrations, and they will be featured heavily both on the famous Goodwood Hill and across the Estate.  

The story of James Hunt and Niki Lauda’s monumental battle for the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship has transcended motorsport, and the Festival of Speed will mark the 50^th anniversary of that extraordinary year. 

Likewise, Goodwood will venerate the saga between Ford and Ferrari that culminated at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours. This remarkable rivalry between two giants of sportscar racing saw the Americans finally overthrow the Italians at the Circuit de la Sarthe in spectacular fashion. 

More information on exactly what shape these celebrations will take will be revealed in due course. 

As part of the Festival of Speed’s Hill schedule, which will include drivers, riders, cars and bikes from F1, MotoGP, World Superbikes, IndyCar, the World Endurance Championship, the Isle of Man TT, the World Rally Championship and touring cars, an entire batch will be curated to tell the story of motorsport’s greatest rivalries.  

The Duke of Richmond CBE DL said: “Over the years, Goodwood has seen some fierce competition, whether in the early days of the Circuit when the all-time greats were battling it out, or in more recent years on the hillclimb.”

“Even the IndyCar drivers who joined us at this year’s Revival brought their very own rivalry which played out in the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration.  

“In 2026, the Festival of Speed will capture the drama and intensity of some of motorsport’s greatest contests as we celebrate ‘The Rivals - Epic Racing Duels’, bringing to life the immense determination and talent of the titans of racing history.” 

The Festival of Speed takes place on the 9^th-12^th July 2026, and there will be plenty more updates in the months ahead. Keep an eye on Goodwood’s digital channels to get all the latest news ahead of the 2026 motorsport season. 

Tickets are now available for the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, you can sign up to the Fellowship today and save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoying a whole host of other on-event perks.

Images courtesy of Getty Images.