Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026: F1 Stars and Newey's RB17 Hypercar Take Center Stage

Formula 1 fans won't miss their fix of on-track action this weekend, as the Goodwood Festival of Speed brings together a star-studded cast of current drivers and legendary machinery at the Sussex estate. The 2026 edition marks the public debut of Adrian Newey's final Red Bull design, the RB17 hypercar, while a host of F1 names tackle the famous 1.16-mile hill climb.

Why it matters:

Goodwood serves as a rare bridge between motorsport's past and present, offering teams and drivers a platform to engage fans outside the demands of the grand prix calendar. For Red Bull, the RB17 debut represents Newey's parting engineering statement to the team he helped dominate, while manufacturers like McLaren use the occasion to honor heritage moments such as the 50th anniversary of James Hunt's 1976 championship.

The Details:

• Star Power: Isack Hadjar and reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will represent their respective Red Bull programs, while Kimi Antonelli, Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto are confirmed for Thursday appearances. Lando Norris is set to drive McLaren's 2023 MCL60 challenger.
• Team Presence: Racing Bulls bring Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, with Williams and Aston Martin also fielding significant presences through the four-day event.
• Hill Climb History: Nick Heidfeld's 41.6-second record in the McLaren MP4/13 stood for over two decades until Max Chilton's electric McMurtry Spéirling fan car broke the benchmark in 2022.
• Weekend Format: Beyond show runs and exhibition categories, Sunday's Shoot-Out sees competitors push for the fastest possible time up the hill.

What's next:

The festival runs through the weekend with categories spanning Americana, drifting, endurance legends, and the marquee F1 team moments. While Sunday's timed Shoot-Out will grab the headlines, the RB17's first public outing and the parade of current F1 talent underscore Goodwood's unique status as a living museum of racing culture.