Silverstone sits in England, near the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury, but its roots lie in the Second World War. Between 1943 and 1946 the site served as RAF Silverstone, a Royal Air Force bomber station, and the original track followed the perimeter roads of the airfield’s runways.
Silverstone then hosted the first round of the Formula 1 World Championship on 13 May 1950, and Giuseppe Farina won it. For many years the British Grand Prix alternated between British circuits, but in 1987 Silverstone became its permanent home. Since then the circuit has changed many times from the original airfield layout.
It is also one of the fastest tracks in Formula 1, and a typical lap begins flat out from Abbey, the first corner, which exits onto the Farm Curve at Turn 2.
The Silverstone Circuit Track
Historic corners like Maggotts, Becketts and Abbey provide huge challenges for designers and drivers, so the lap never lets anyone relax. For example, the Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel complex is among the most demanding sequences in motorsport, because it places heavy loads on both the car and the driver. Copse, a very fast right-hander, is the approach to that stretch of the lap.
Meanwhile, the Hangar Straight leads to Stowe, and the Wellington Straight and Brooklands give overtaking chances. The Hamilton Straight then runs just after Club Corner and leads onto the start-finish line before Abbey and the Farm Curve.
Silverstone is a high-downforce circuit, so the cars spend about 70 per cent of the lap at full throttle. A lap involves around 40 gear changes and burns about 2.8 kg of fuel. Besides, British weather often changes within a race, so decisions on tyres can be decisive.
Overall, the Silverstone Circuit is 5.891 kilometres (3.660 miles) long with 18 corners, and the race runs for 52 laps.
Silverstone Circuit Fast Facts
| Silverstone Circuit Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | British Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Silverstone Circuit |
| Location | Silverstone, England |
| Lap Length | 5.891 km (3.660 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 52 |
| Race Distance | 306.198 km (190.263 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 18 |
| First Grand Prix | 1950 |
| Lap Record | 1:27.097 (Max Verstappen, 2020) |
Conclusion
The Silverstone Circuit stands out for its high-speed corners, from Copse to Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel, so it is a true test of a car’s aerodynamics. For the latest session times in UK time, see our Formula 1 UK race times schedule. Also, official information is available on the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Silverstone Circuit?
It is in Silverstone, England, so it sits near the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury.
How Long Is the Silverstone Circuit?
One lap is 5.891 km (3.660 miles), so a full race of 52 laps adds up to 306.198 km (190.263 miles).
How Many Laps Does the British Grand Prix Have?
The cars run 52 laps, so they cover 306.198 km (190.263 miles) in total.
How Many Corners Does Silverstone Have?
The lap has 18 corners, but the Wellington Straight and Brooklands give the best chances to overtake.
What Is the Lap Record at Silverstone?
Max Verstappen set the lap record of 1:27.097 in 2020, although qualifying laps can be faster.
When Did Formula 1 First Race at Silverstone?
The first Formula 1 race here took place in 1950, when Giuseppe Farina won on 13 May.
Did Silverstone Host the First Formula 1 World Championship Race?
Yes, it hosted the first race of the Formula 1 World Championship on 13 May 1950, and Giuseppe Farina won it.
What Did Silverstone Do Before It Became a Racetrack?
It served as RAF Silverstone, a Royal Air Force bomber station, between 1943 and 1946, before it became a racetrack.
