From the screen to Silverstone: My unforgettable British Grand Prix experience

Just over a fortnight ago, as an exciting part of my student job, I was given the opportunity to work at a glamping site at Silverstone Circuit for the British Grand Prix. Formula One has been an interest of mine for the past few years, becoming a serious fan after the incredibly tense title fight between British hero Lewis Hamilton and the Red Bull challenger, Max Verstappen. As an honest newcomer to the Formula One universe, and supporter of the Drive to Survive “turbo-charged” racing world, the idea of seeing any race in person felt like merely a pipe dream, let alone seeing a British race for free. Therefore, catching a practice session, qualifying, and the race itself was truly an experience of a lifetime.

For those who indulge in the excitement of Formula One comfortably from their sofa, like me, I’d embarrassingly admit that the cars were a lot faster than I anticipated in person. Perspective around the Formula One track is a make-or-break factor when watching the race itself, especially for watching the cars bargain with Silverstone track’s delicately managed bends. Having watched the practice and qualifying from the heights of Vale Grandstand, the cars felt rather slow and meandering, however, being at eye-level for the race completely changed the experience, and allowed a watcher to visibly acknowledge how incredibly fast these cars are.

The stands surrounding the track were adorned with Union Jacks, a sentiment of the patriotism of the event

There was a sense of specialness to the 2024 British Grand Prix, as we saw the triumphant victory of Lewis Hamilton. This victory became both his 104th Formula One win and his first victory in nearly three years. The swarms of British fans surrounding the track, holding a record attendance of 164,000 people, were united in joy at seeing Hamilton win after such a break, with his tears of happiness reflecting his endearing quality after such a hiatus from winning.

The stands surrounding the track were adorned with Union Jacks, a sentiment of the patriotism of the event, and a flypast by the ever-impressive Red Arrows only highlighted this. Whilst Hamilton’s win was celebrated with unbridled enthusiasm, it felt bittersweet, with many fans disappointed in the fate of the other British drivers, Lando Norris and George Russell, who did not place as victoriously as Hamilton. Nevertheless, my purchase of a white Mercedes cap, fitted with Hamilton’s number ‘44’, felt like a memento of the day, however, I warn any Formula One superfans that the merchandise is notoriously expensive and practically cost a day’s worth of wages.

One of the most insightful and entertaining elements of my Formula One weekend was socialising with fellow racing fans whilst working. From a naïve perspective, I was shocked at the number of avid American fans I met over my weekend, which opposed my preconceptions. Notably, the rise of Drive to Survive has “helped American fans connect with a European-heavy sport”, even considering the presence of NASCAR and IndyCar. Additionally, many fans pick Formula One due to its excitement and the personal fame of its drivers and wider teams. Whilst Logan Sargeant, one of the current drivers for Williams, is American, the American fans I met were seriously devoted Lando Norris fans, a driver who has established a widely respected ‘“cult following”.

With the element of hindsight, whilst being a dedicated Formula One fan, I am unsure whether I’d go to the British Grand Prix if I was not working

With the element of hindsight, whilst being a dedicated Formula One fan, I am unsure whether I’d go to the British Grand Prix if I was not working. Compared to its European counterparts, Silverstone is a notoriously expensive race, with visitors spending a minimum of around £600 each for their weekend. Although the Silverstone track offers both an exciting and patriotic racing experience, it also offers some of Britain’s characteristically tumultuous weather, with many of my camping nights being disturbed by the heavy rain outside.

If given the opportunity to work there again, I would, however, absolutely take up the opportunity as my experience at Silverstone has done so much to emphasise my love of Formula One and live sport itself.