Biggest sporting event in the country as British Grand Prix takes place at Silverstone
160,000 people are expected at today's 52 lap race at Silverstone.
Last updated 6th Jul 2025
One of the UKs biggest sporting events is well underway in Northamptonshire with the British Grand Prix being held at the county's Silverstone track.
Max Verstappen will be on pole.
Close to 500,000 people are set to attend over four days event, with 160,000 alone set to watch today's main race this afternoon.
Justine Tommey is the Marketing Director for Freemans Events Partners who've been running the food and drink service at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for 42 years.
"So we are planning to sell over 700,000 pints over the weekend, but that's quite conservative so it might be more than that."
The Formula 1 event is one of the companies biggest and preparations start a month before and take 10 days to take down after today's final event.
"We have 140 permanent staff, but throughout the summer we have up to 3000 staff working for us. We have 300 drink outlets here. We have over 90 cuisines, so there's really something for everyone."
This afternoon they'll be a special tribute today to legendary Formula 1 figure Eddie Jordan featuring iconic cars from his career.
It's a big boost to tourism in the county and the surrounding region according to Simon Cox Head of Policy for the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and also the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce:
"I think it means a hell of a lot because we've got a global brand here in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes across that Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire border.
"People would hear that name of Silverstone all over the globe. So I think it's fantastic to have F1 and such a big brand name in the region because obviously it brings a lot of people into the area. We're delighted that F1 continues to be in the area that we're in, and long may that continue."
Northamptonshire Police have told us despite the large numbers its a safe event with very low crime. They're still urging race goers to let them and security staff know about suspicious activity.
Superintendent Pete Basham has this advice:
"If you see or hear anything suspicious this is what we are here for, please report that to either security services or to the police and we will take action. For those attending have a fantastic weekend and here's hoping for a British winner."
After tonight's action on the track - there's a set from British artist Becky Hill who last performed in 2023.