The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed just wrapped up and it was electric.
Literally and figuratively.
With record-breaking cars, legendary drivers, and groundbreaking EV tech on display, this year’s event was one of the most exciting yet.
Here are five highlights that stood out and why they matter.
1. Formula 1 Turned 75 and Took Over the Hillclimb
This year marked 75 years of Formula 1, and Goodwood celebrated with an unmatched hillclimb lineup.
Over 100 historic F1 cars took on the course, from early front-engine classics to current championship contenders.
One of the weekend’s biggest moments was the “Ultimate F1 Grid,” featuring a full lineup of iconic models like:
- Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/4
- Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2004
- Nigel Mansell’s Williams FW14B
- Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 Mercedes W11
This display wasn’t just for nostalgia. It traced the evolution of performance, aerodynamics, and engine technology over nearly eight decades, showing just how far innovation has come in motorsport.
2. A Rare Gathering of F1 World Champions
Seven world champions appeared together on the Goodwood House balcony:
Jackie Stewart, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, and Mario Andretti.
It was a rare and significant moment, not just for fans, but for the sport’s legacy. Each driver represented a different era of racing, with their own influence on driving style, car development, and global fan engagement.
Seeing these legends together was a powerful reminder of how motorsport history is passed from one generation to the next.
3. Electric Vehicles Take Centre Stage
Electric vehicles had a major presence this year, not just in dedicated sections like Electric Avenue, but throughout the hillclimb and display paddocks. Several world-first public debuts took place, including:
- The Porsche Cayenne EV: A high-performance electric SUV combining Porsche’s signature power with cutting-edge battery tech.
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: Hyundai’s first electric N model, designed to deliver track-day thrills with everyday usability.
- Alpine A290: A French hot hatch with electric punch and playful handling, aimed at urban drivers who love a spirited drive.
- BYD Denza Z9 GT: A luxury electric grand tourer blending Chinese innovation with long-range performance and sleek design.
These models reflect a wider shift in the automotive industry. EVs are no longer positioned as a niche solution or future tech. They're increasingly part of mainstream performance lineups and aimed at everyday drivers who want practicality and driving excitement.
4. Celebrating Gordon Murray’s Design Legacy
The festival’s signature sculpture outside Goodwood House paid tribute to designer Gordon Murray, best known for the McLaren F1 and his more recent lightweight supercars.
Murray’s career has been defined by engineering efficiency prioritising weight reduction, aerodynamic performance, and innovative materials.
The sculpture featured several of his most influential cars and reminded visitors how design philosophies from decades ago continue to shape the way modern vehicles are built, particularly as carmakers pursue sustainability and improved energy efficiency.
5. Red Arrows, Record Crowds and Festival Fever
The Red Arrows performed one of their most popular displays in recent memory, soaring over a festival packed with more than 200,000 attendees.
Visitors explored a mix of old and new: historic Le Mans cars, hillclimb runs, cutting-edge prototypes, interactive tech exhibits, and hands-on driving demos.
The variety of vehicles and technologies on show reflected just how broad the definition of “car culture” has become. Whether fans came for vintage engineering or next-gen battery platforms, there was something to connect with and something to learn.
Goodwood 2025 wasn't just a celebration of speed it was a snapshot of where the automotive world has been and where it's headed next.
From tributes to motorsport legends to the public debut of powerful new EVs, the festival highlighted how innovation and nostalgia can sit side by side. Whether you're a fan of classic racing icons or excited by the next generation of electric performance, Goodwood offered something for everyone.
As car technology continues to evolve, events like these remind us that driving isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about the experience, the progress, and the people who shape it.