7 F1 World Champions star on the Goodwood Balcony

12th July 2025

Rachel Roberts

There was only one place to be at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard on Saturday afternoon, and that was in front of Goodwood House. The eyes of all those who made up the huge crowds were fixed on the balcony for a reception of no fewer than seven Formula 1 Champions. With so much history in one place, this was truly the pinnacle of Goodwood’s celebrations of the 75^thanniversary of the F1 World Championship.

Our Champions represented four decades of the sport, from Sir Jackie Stewart’s first title in 1969, to Mika Häkkinen’s second in 1999. Starting with Stewart, his achievements were honoured by his sons driving two of his Tyrrell cars, the 003 and 006, followed down the Hill by Champions of the 1970s, Emerson Fittipaldi back in his Lotus 72 and 1978’s victor Mario Andretti, at the wheel of the Lotus 79.

By this stage the Turning Circle was filling up with iconic machinery, but there was more to come. Jacques Villeneuve, 1997 Drivers’ Champion, made his way to the House in Niki Lauda’s Ferrari 312 B3; Nigel Mansell delighted the crowds by piloting ‘Red 5’, Williams’ FW14B; and Häkkinen joined the party in his McLaren MP4/13.

Last, but certainly by no means least, was Alain Prost, driving the iconic McLaren MP4/4 the short trip up to the House. Such breadth of talent, engineering genius and unforgettable moments all represented in one place was quite a thing to behold. And more unforgettable moments were made when each Champion was introduced onto the balcony to rapturous applause.

With all seven men together, 14 World Championships were represented. To win one is an experience so few people could ever comprehend — this was a special party of individuals, each a Champion worthy of our adulation. Formula 1 at the 2025 Festival of Speed really has been something.