TG readers reckon Hamilton’s 2008 British GP win was Silverstone’s greatest F1 race

2025 marks 75 years since the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship race was held at Silverstone, and there have been some memorable follow-ups since then. In our latest Question of the Week, we wanted to find out which race stood out most for our readers. 

So, let's begin with a suggestion from the creatively named Teabag Towers: “2008, when Lewis Hamilton made everyone else look like amateurs in the wet. The margin between him and Nick Heidfeld in second place was over a minute when the chequered flag was waved. Only Heidfeld and Rubens Barrichello finished the race on the same lap as Hamilton; everyone else was a lap behind.”

Yep, we suspected ‘08 would get a strong vote of confidence. Mish Mash agreed: “Having been too young to know what F1 was, I only heard about this race a couple of years ago. Intrigued, I watched the replay and was in awe of Hamilton’s ability to master such tricky conditions. And to win by over a minute, that’s ridiculous. Not even Max Verstappen at his best could do that, and it’s why I think Hamilton’s the best.”

Not every comment was regarding a Lewis win, though. DDastardly said: “Had to look it up because I couldn’t remember the year: 1998. It was the most clever move by Ferrari with Michael Schumacher in the lead. He served his Stop-and-Go penalty on the last lap and crossed the finish line in the pit lane. Back when Ferrari was still thinking outside the box…” 

Ouch. Tom Barrett’s up next: “Of the ones I’ve attended, my highlight was qualifying in 2023, when Lando Norris briefly snatched pole before Verstappen spoiled everyone’s day. The cheer when Norris crossed the line, I’ve never heard anything like it. Everyone rose to their feet and went mad for about 20 seconds.”

Or how about Chris Page’s shout, which takes things way back: “1969 British GP. One of the greatest battles ever, between Jackie Stewart and Jochen Rindt, which lasted almost the entire race. Passing then re-passing on the same lap, so the leaderboard didn’t reflect fully on what was going on out on track. They were both in a league of their own that day and showed just how great clean racing can be, at what was one of the fastest circuits back in that era.”

And our final comment comes from Rob Manifield: “1987, 2003 and 2008 are the three that immediately spring to mind. But there have been loads: 1993, 2011, 2024… I could go on. Silverstone’s a place that’s generated great racing, no matter what changes are made to the track.”

And long may that continue, readers.