Sebastian Vettel will tackle the Goodwood Hillclimb in a pair of classic Formula 1 cars in July, powered by fossil-free fuel from German firm P1
The 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with a frenzy of motorsport action and production car debuts scheduled when gates open in July. A diverse range of machines, from electric cars to fire-spitting racing machines, will take to the iconic Goodwood Hillclimb, including two classic Formula 1 cars driven by Sebastian Vettel and powered by synthetic fuel.
Vettel will return to this year’s Festival of Speed after an 11-year hiatus, but on the condition that he drives using sustainable synthetic fuels. The four-time world champion has been outspoken in his environmental ambitions, and synthetic fuels could present motorsport’s next step towards limiting its use of natural resources and impact on the climate.
His chosen partner is German company P1 Fuels, which produces a direct replacement for normal petrol from liquid synthetic hydrocarbons, rather than naturally occurring fossil sources. The firm already supplies fuel for the World Rally Championship and pre-war racing Bentleys, and in July, it’ll power two F1 cars from Sebastian’s personal collection – an ex-Nigel Mansell Williams FW14B (commonly known as ‘Red Five’), and Ayrton Senna’s 1993 McLaren MP4/8. Speaking on his choice to run with synthetic fuels, Vettel said:
‘In today’s world, where climate change and emissions are impacting us more than ever, it’s important to me to show that we can change our mindset for good. And, with sustainable fuels, show we drive just as quickly but without the CO2 emissions, especially at a place like Goodwood. Synthetic fuels offer a solution to having fun, responsibly. A lot of people just don't know that yet.’
Along with Vettel’s appearance, Goodwood has confirmed that Pirelli will act as the event’s tyre partner for 2023 and beyond. Of course, tyres are shown no mercy when drivers let rip on Goodwood’s 1.16-mile hillclimb, but Pirelli’s presence will extend into the paddock with two exhibitions to showcase the company’s 150-year lineage in motorsport and technology. Centred around its P Zero line-up, Pirelli’s high-performance tyre range is due an imminent update, and this will be previewed by three new products at this year’s Festival of Speed.
To coincide with the 75th anniversary of the 356, Porsche will take centre stage as Goodwood’s ‘celebrated marque’ this year. An enormous sculpture will be built in tribute to the Stuttgart firm, which has headlined the Festival of Speed three times already – most recently in 2018. This year promises a showcase of Porsche's most revered models being driven up the Goodwood Hill, which is likely to include the latest 992 GT3 RS.
Porsche’s anniversary coincides with the Festival's 30th year running, which is set to build upon the success of 2022’s full capacity crowd. Though further details are still to be announced, the 2023 Festival of Speed is once again set to feature the popular Electric Avenue, with fresh new metal and motorsport icons featuring on July 13-16.
The 30th Festival of Speed will also celebrate 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a collection of cars and legends from the race like nothing we've seen before. Nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen said: 'It’s amazing that Le Mans has been holding this great race for 100 years. Goodwood and Le Mans are so much fun, I always enjoy visiting and have had the privilege of driving fantastic cars there. It was great to get together with all those Le Mans winners at Revival this year – I’m already looking forward to the reunion next year. I’m sure it will be a remarkable celebration.'
2023 will also host the 25th Goodwood Revival, set for September 8-10. The 2022 event, honoured Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated a decade of the Settrington Cup (the children’s pedal car race, and three days of some of the most thrilling track action in the calendar.
The Duke of Richmond, founder of Goodwood’s motorsport events, said: 'Following a spectacular season at Goodwood, we’re delighted to announce the dates of our 2023 motorsport events, as we start preparing for an exhilarating year both on and off the track. 2023 is already set to be very special as we celebrate 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood, encompassing 25 years of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, 30 years of the Festival of Speed and 25 years of Revival – it's certainly going to be an unmissable year.'
Tickets for both Festival of Speed and Revival 2023 are on sale now, from £60 and £67 respectively. As in previous years, children aged 12 and under go free and a Young Person ticket is also available for those aged between 13 and 21.
Tickets for the 80th Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport are also on sale now, and can be purchased by Members and Fellows of the GRRC. Further details of 2023’s Goodwood events will be announced in due course.
Keyword: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023 preview: Sebastian Vettel returns with synthetic-fuelled F1 cars