Stop what you’re doing and watch colourised footage of Silverstone’s first F1 race

The petition to get commentary for the 2025 British Grand Prix in the style of Pathé News begins here. Today (13 May), F1 has commemorated 75 years since the very first race (also 13 May) by releasing this restored footage of Silverstone back in 1950. And it is, quite frankly, excellent.

Delivered by British Pathé, the newsreel showcases Giuseppe Farina’s triumph in his delightful Alfa 158, ahead of Luigi Fagioli and Reg Parnell. The most famous man on the grid in those days – Juan Manuel Fangio – retired after 62 laps (it was a 70-lap race back then) despite qualifying on pole.

It’s a fascinating look back at Formula One's ground zero. Quite literally, there is zero stuff on the ground, barring the odd hay bale scattered here and there. King George V greets the competitors. Pit stops are lengthy affairs with a man frantically waving his arms around to get racers to stop. Did we mention the hay bales? Hay bales all up in the kitchen. Except there was no kitchen.

Formula One’s experts used advanced AI, reference imagery, and “manual painting techniques” to bring the 1950 British GP back to full glory. “Specific elements such as the sky, grass, cars, and faces are electronically painted manually to truly bring the scene to life,” we’re told, “using images of the cars and subjects, and F1 archive footage, to ensure accuracy.”

F1 boss – and former Ferrari team principal – Stefano Domenicali, added: “75 years ago today our sport roared to life, and we are privileged to continue the incredible legacy of the brave drivers who raced for the ultimate prize on this day in 1950.”

Check it out here, and don’t forget to sign that petition below.

Images and video courtesy of F1