From wet-weather mastery to last-lap shocks – 10 of the most memorable wins at Silverstone

Silverstone has played host to countless memorable moments in Formula 1 history since holding the first championship race back in 1950. With the track set to remain on the calendar through to 2034 following a new 10-year agreement, it feels timely to take a trip down memory lane and look back on some particularly notable victories to take place at the circuit.

1. Ayrton Senna's wet-weather victory in 1988: Senna showcased his incredible skill in wet conditions during the British Grand Prix. Despite starting in 4th place, he quickly took the lead and maintained it till the end, lapping even the second-placed driver.

2. Nigel Mansell's dramatic comeback in 1987: Starting from 12th position due to a puncture in qualifying, Mansell put on an astonishing performance. He charged through the field, overtaking his competitors one by one, and eventually took the lead with just two laps remaining.

3. Juan Manuel Fangio's heroic drive in 1956: In a race that featured persistent rain, Fangio displayed his mastery of wet conditions. Despite spinning out and falling to third place, he regained control and overtook his competitors to secure a memorable victory.

4. Fernando Alonso's triumph in 2011: In a race filled with unpredictable weather conditions, Alonso navigated the changing track superbly. Despite being pressured by his rivals, he held his nerve and claimed victory, delighting the British fans.

5. Lewis Hamilton's first F1 victory in 2008: On his home turf, Hamilton secured his inaugural Formula 1 win in a thrilling race. Despite a tire puncture and rain showers, he managed to fend off his challengers and crossed the finish line first, infecting the crowd with jubilation.

6. Michael Schumacher's astonishing comeback in 1998: Starting from 14th position after a gearbox failure in qualifying, Schumacher launched a relentless pursuit through the field. With impressive overtakes, he finished 1st, demonstrating his exceptional talent and determination.

7. Alain Prost's strategic brilliance in 1983: Prost's tactical brilliance came to the fore as he flawlessly managed tire wear and fuel consumption during a changeable race. Despite lacking outright pace, he outmaneuvered his rivals and clinched the victory.

8. Jim Clark's dominant drive in 1963: Clark showcased his exceptional skill and speed during the race. He dominated from start to finish, lapping everyone up to third place, and set a new lap record in the process.

9. Johnny Herbert's fairy-tale win in 1995: Driving for Benetton, Herbert endured multiple setbacks in the race, including a pit stop mistake, but he never gave up. Taking advantage of others' misfortune, he snatched a surprising victory, providing a feel-good story for fans.

10. Niki Lauda's masterful wet-weather performance in 1976: Lauda's strategic tire choice during a rain-soaked race set him apart from the competition. Despite reduced visibility and treacherous conditions, he maintained control to claim a memorable win.

11. Jackie Stewart's remarkable triumph in 1969: In a race marred by heavy rain and fog, Stewart displayed his unrivaled skill in treacherous conditions. Despite the limited visibility, he expertly navigated the circuit, lapping the entire field and securing a comprehensive victory.

12. Damon Hill's emotional win in 1994: Racing in the shadow of his father, the legendary Graham Hill, Damon experienced a rollercoaster race. The rain-soaked track tested his mettle, but he stayed focused and crossed the finish line first, paying tribute to his father's legacy.

13. Jenson Button's strategic genius in 2011: Facing adverse weather conditions, Button made a gutsy decision to switch to intermediate tires before his rivals. This gamble paid off, as the track dried up quickly, allowing him to build a significant lead and claim a memorable victory.

14. James Hunt's thrilling head-to-head duel in 1977: Hunt engaged in an intense battle with his fierce rival, Niki Lauda. With the rain pouring down, they exchanged positions numerous times, providing spectators with a thrilling display of skill. In the end, it was Hunt who emerged triumphant.

15. Sebastian Vettel's dominant display in 2009: Vettel showcased his exceptional talent in wet conditions by delivering a flawless performance. From pole position, he controlled the race, leaving his competitors behind and earning a comfortable and memorable victory.

16. David Coulthard's unexpected triumph in 1999: With an unfancied car and challenging weather conditions, Coulthard surprised everyone with a stunning drive. His skill and determination pushed him to the front of the field, grabbing a well-deserved victory.

17. Jackie Oliver's underdog victory in 1968: Racing for the underdog team, BRM, Oliver faced intense competition from the dominant Lotus cars. However, he unleashed an outstanding drive, overtaking his rivals and securing a memorable and unexpected win.

18. Mark Webber's impressive comeback in 2010: Starting from fifth place, Webber endured a drive-through penalty and challenging weather conditions. Undeterred, he fought his way back to the front, overtaking several competitors and snatching an impressive victory.

19. Nigel Mansell's nail-biting finish in 1991: Mansell's duel with his teammate, Riccardo Patrese, provided a thrilling spectacle during the last lap. They engaged in a wheel-to-wheel battle, resulting in Mansell crossing the finish line mere feet ahead of Patrese, securing a memorable victory.

20. Niki Lauda's triumph in the torrential rain of 1975: Lauda's exceptional wet-weather skills shone through in the rain-soaked race. Despite the treacherous conditions, he maintained control and outpaced his rivals, delivering a dominant victory.

These memorable victories at Silverstone highlight the mastery, skill, and determination of the drivers, as they conquered the challenges posed by the circuit and weather conditions.

Indeed, Silverstone has witnessed some truly iconic victories over the years that have become etched in Formula 1's history. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and highlight a few particularly noteworthy triumphs at the legendary British circuit.

1. 1950: Giuseppe Farina – The inaugural race at Silverstone saw Italian driver Giuseppe Farina claim victory in his Alfa Romeo, marking the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship win.

2. 1955: Stirling Moss – An astonishing drive by British driver Stirling Moss saw him take his first Formula 1 win at Silverstone. Moss dominated the race in a Mercedes-Benz, showcasing his skill and cementing his status as one of the sport's greats.

3. 1958: Peter Collins – Another British driver, Peter Collins, enjoyed success at his home Grand Prix. Racing for Ferrari, Collins battled adverse weather conditions to secure victory at Silverstone, making it a memorable moment for the home crowd.

4. 1973: Peter Revson – American driver Peter Revson clinched his second and final Formula 1 victory at Silverstone in a McLaren. It was a memorable win for Revson, who tragically lost his life in a testing accident the following year.

5. 1976: James Hunt – In challenging wet conditions, British driver James Hunt displayed remarkable tenacity to secure his first-ever Formula 1 win at Silverstone. This victory is often regarded as a pivotal moment in Hunt's championship-winning season.

6. 1981: John Watson – Irish driver John Watson orchestrated an incredible comeback from 22nd on the grid to win the British Grand Prix. It remains one of the most remarkable drives at Silverstone, showcasing Watson's skill and determination.

7. 1987: Nigel Mansell – A home victory by the legendary Nigel Mansell on his Williams-Renault is etched into British motorsport history. Mansell's triumph was delivered after a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Nelson Piquet, resulting in a memorable British 1-2 finish.

8. 1999: David Coulthard – In a sensational race, Scottish driver David Coulthard emerged victorious in a McLaren, delivering a remarkable comeback from 13th on the grid. Coulthard's win proved his prowess at Silverstone, making it a cherished moment for the home fans.

9. 2008: Lewis Hamilton – Making his home crowd proud, Lewis Hamilton secured his first British Grand Prix win. The McLaren driver executed a flawless drive in treacherous wet conditions, showcasing his talent and becoming the first black driver to win at Silverstone.

10. 2020: Lewis Hamilton – Hamilton's seventh British Grand Prix win in 2020 equaled the record set by the great Michael Schumacher. On home soil, Hamilton's dominant victory further solidified his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

These are just a few of the many notable victories that have enthralled spectators at Silverstone. As the track continues to host Formula 1 races in the coming years, we eagerly await more historic moments to add to its illustrious legacy.

few additional memorable victories at Silverstone:

11. 1991: Nigel Mansell – With a determined drive, Nigel Mansell secured a dominant win at the 1991 British Grand Prix. Racing for Williams, Mansell thrilled the home crowd with his incredible speed and skill, cementing his status as a British motorsport hero.

12. 1998: Michael Schumacher – German driver Michael Schumacher showcased his mastery at Silverstone by delivering a stunning victory in his Ferrari. Schumacher's win marked his third consecutive British Grand Prix triumph and demonstrated his unwavering competitiveness.

13. 2013: Nico Rosberg – In a thrilling race, Nico Rosberg claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the British Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver showcased his determination and skill, fending off a charging Mark Webber in the closing stages to secure a memorable win.

14. 2018: Sebastian Vettel – In a tense battle for victory, Sebastian Vettel emerged triumphant at Silverstone. The Ferrari driver engaged in thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing with his title rival Lewis Hamilton, ultimately overtaking him in a stunning move to take the checkered flag.

15. 2021: Lewis Hamilton – In a dramatic race, Lewis Hamilton secured his eighth British Grand Prix win. Despite colliding with Max Verstappen on the opening lap, Hamilton displayed incredible resilience to chase down Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and snatch victory in front of his enthusiastic home crowd.

Silverstone's rich history and challenging circuit have consistently provided fans with thrilling moments of triumph. From daring overtakes to remarkable comebacks, each victory at this iconic track adds to the sport's legacy and leaves a lasting impression on Formula 1 enthusiasts worldwide.