International Fans Join Record-Breaking British Grand Prix
Guillermo and his children travelled from Mexico to attend the British Grand Prix.
Formula 1 enthusiasts worldwide have contributed to a record-breaking attendance at the British Grand Prix.
Organisers reported approximately 564,000 spectators over the Silverstone race weekend, surpassing last year's record by around 64,000 attendees.
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the race, which commenced at 15:00 BST, with live commentary available on .
What distinguishes the Silverstone circuit, located on the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, in the eyes of motorsport fans?
The answer lies in the track's renowned high-speed corners, praised by generations of drivers, and its rich racing heritage.
Notably, Silverstone hosted the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix in 1950.
This historic significance attracts fans not only from Britain but from across the globe.
'I love F1'
Guillermo and his children travelled from Nogales, northern Mexico, to experience the event's celebrated atmosphere.
The trip holds special meaning for his 14-year-old daughter Rebecca, who is celebrating her Quinceañera—the traditional Mexican celebration of a girl's 15th birthday.
"It [Silverstone] is very comfortable," she said. "Everything is happy. The people are very good and welcoming."
Rebecca's older brother, also named Guillermo, expressed his intention to support Mexican driver Sergio Perez by flying his country's flag at Sunday's race, while also backing a British driver.
"I wish [Lewis] Hamilton to get first place," said the 16-year-old. "We're loving the racing, loving Silverstone. It's pretty nice. I love F1."
Oscar Solimano, another international fan, travelled from Argentina to attend the event.
The 33-year-old is part of a group of 11 Argentine fans who are supporting Argentine driver Franco Colapinto of the Alpine team.
"We came over on Wednesday, we're staying at a house in Oxford and have had this planned for months.
We are big petrolheads, that's why we're here.
It [Silverstone] is incredible, it's one of those places that you say 'hey, there's a true petrolhead passion here'.
It's not like other circuits we've been to, here you breathe cars and motorsport."
How to Follow the British Grand Prix on the BBC
Ticket prices for the event vary by type, with Sunday's Grand Prix tickets starting from £229 and three-day general admission from £269.
Charlie Bingham, 51, born in the UK but residing in Texas, described attending the event with his wife and children as "a bit of a splurge" but said it was "great to be here."
"My wife and I made it our 50th birthday present to one another.
The kids have got into it in the last couple of years, this is the home of Grand Prix, so why not? We get to see friends and family while we're back too."
For many, attending the Grand Prix is a family affair.
Father and son Stuart and Ross attended the 2025 race and returned this year with tickets in the Hangar grandstand.
"It's just the whole scale of the event," said 52-year-old Stuart. "It's bigger than just a race. There's something for everyone."
David Guetta and Richard Ashcroft were among the headline music acts, while Jack Whitehall contributed to the stand-up comedy offerings.
McLaren fan Ross, 21, anticipates Antonelli's victory but remains hopeful for British drivers.
"I think the Mercedes look like they're going to do it," he said. "It would be nice to see Hamilton up there if possible. Lando [Norris] as well. An all-British podium ideally."
New Fans and Camping Culture at Silverstone
The 77th edition of the British Grand Prix is also attracting new fans.
Liz Williams, 70, is attending her first Formula 1 race, inspired by her grandchildren's interest in the sport.
Williams, from Aberystwyth, described Saturday's sprint race as thrilling.
"It was really exciting when they were all overtaking one another on the corner where we were.
[There are] lots of people cheering different drivers, but it's all very friendly. Nobody's fighting or pushing people over like you get in some sports."
Tens of thousands of fans camp at the circuit throughout the event, with some arriving as early as Wednesday.
Colin Lawson, from Aberdeen, is staying at the Whittlebury Park campsite with friends and family in his RV.
"It's my happy place," said the 59-year-old. "I love it because it's British. It's a gathering.
We've had a journey to get here but it's all about fun. Silverstone is probably the pinnacle of the year."
Additional reporting by Tom Williams.
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Sunday's race begins at 15:00 BST, with live commentary available on .
