As an F1 fan, one of the most thrilling experiences is watching a race live, and for me, Silverstone has always been the go-to track. Being relatively local, it’s the one I’ve visited most often — and it’s an absolute must-see for any Formula One enthusiast. This year was especially exciting, as Silverstone celebrated 75 years of Formula One, a milestone proudly showcased in a new exhibit at the Silverstone Museum.
With that in mind, I wanted to do something a bit different for this year’s race. Along with my family, I decided to try out the Silverstone Garage Enclosure. Over the years, ticket prices for our usual seating areas had crept up, and the price difference between those and the enclosure wasn’t as wide as it once was. For just over £800 for four days in the enclosure, it might sound like a lot, but considering everything included, I found it to be pretty good value.
The enclosure grants access to a private area away from the general crowd, which immediately felt like a luxury. Inside, multiple big screens kept us connected to all the race action — perfect for catching those moments away from the track or when the visibility wasn’t great. Plus, the bar and refreshments (available at additional cost) were a real lifesaver, especially on Sunday when the F2 race was drenched in heavy rain. Having a dry, sheltered space made a huge difference and turned what could have been a soggy, uncomfortable day into a much more enjoyable experience.
The enclosure was also brilliantly themed, adding a unique touch to the experience. Right in the centre stood Emerson Fittipaldi’s iconic Lotus 56B — the first and only gas turbine four-wheel-drive Formula One car. What made it even more special was that it had never been cleaned and remained in the exact condition it was in after its original race, giving a raw, authentic feel. Just outside the enclosure, in a designated food area, was an impressive lineup of the latest supercars, including next year’s eagerly anticipated Lotus road car, priced at a staggering £1.5 million. It was a fantastic mix of F1 history and cutting-edge automotive technology all in one place.
Along with that, each ticket also included a designated, uncovered grandstand seat. This was located at the start of the National Pit Straight, offering an excellent view of the iconic Becketts complex and, of course, the straight itself—one of the fastest sections of the track, where overtaking is often guaranteed. I frequently saw cars navigate the challenging sequence with either remarkable skill, managing to save a slide—especially in wet conditions—or, unfortunately, spinning out. The reserved seating was valid for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, meaning no more scrambling for a good spot in the roving grandstands—though that option remained available if you wanted to explore.
In addition to all this—yes, there’s more—you also get access to the inner track. I know this sounds obvious since the hospitality box is located there, but I’d never had access to this part of the circuit before. Hospitality buses took you around all the hospitality enclosures and the main entrance gates used by the drivers, opening up a whole new world for me. It even gave access to the main swipe gate that most drivers use to enter the paddock.
Unfortunately, no matter how loudly I shouted, I couldn’t get any drivers to sign my rugby ball (side note: this ball was thrown into the crowd by Simon Lazenby after filming the F1 Show on Thursday — and I caught it. WHAT!). However, I did get the chance to see a few drivers and some famous faces too, including Keanu Reeves! To reach the best spots, you had to arrive extremely early, and even with the fast pass included with the ticket—another definite plus—I wasn’t quite quick enough.
Included in the ticket was also a Thursday pass, which is quite unusual at most Grands Prix. This meant we were able to watch the Sky Sports F1 show and have a good browse around the merchandise stalls. It also included public parking, which is ridiculously expensive if you pay on the day, as well as access to the end-of-day concerts. I only took in one of these, as travelling back and forth to the track can be quite tiring, but I did get to see Sam Fender perform for the first time. I’ve never really been a huge fan, for no particular reason, but I have to admit I’ve been converted.
Access to the Silverstone Museum was also included, featuring the new “75 Years of Motorsport” exhibit spread throughout the building. Having visited the museum before, I was able to quickly navigate the new displays, as it was very busy and hot inside. The gift shop was extremely crowded too, so it might be better to visit the museum at a separate time if you want a more relaxed experience.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the F1—it’s my absolute favourite hobby. Over the past four years, I’ve noticed changes in the crowd and evolving team rivalries, which keep the experience fresh and exciting. Silverstone is definitely a bucket-list race, but with rising prices, I might look at attending a race abroad next year instead.
There were a few areas that could be improved. While Friday and Saturday felt well-managed, Sunday in the enclosure did feel noticeably busier. A couple more food trucks and an additional set of toilets would have made a big difference, as the queues became very long—especially unpleasant in the rain. Some drinks also ran out before the end of the day, which was disappointing when I wanted to toast the race win with a glass of wine.
We were encouraged at the start of the day to stay behind after the race for a drink, but once it ended, I felt rushed. One staff member began closing down the bar quite abruptly, shouting at guests to move further down as they were shutting up. It felt a bit jarring—this wasn’t a local pub—and considering the price of the hospitality experience, I hadn’t expected to be ushered out so abruptly.
Did you go to the British Grand Prix this year? Let us know about your experience in the comments
Sincerely,
Catherine
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