How To Experience Nigel Mansell’s Epic Return At Goodwood’s 75th F1 Anniversary

Few names ignite passion in British motorsport quite like Nigel Mansell. The 1992 Formula 1 World Champion is returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard for a celebration that’s set to be the biggest in the event’s history.

This year’s theme? The 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship. And who better to headline than the man once dubbed ‘Il Leone’ – the lion-hearted hero of British racing.

Back Behind the Wheel

Nigel Mansell will once again take to the famous Goodwood hillclimb, not just in any car, but in two of the most significant machines from his illustrious career.

He’ll be driving:

• The 1992 Williams FW14B – the car in which he stormed to the championship
• The 1986 Williams FW11 – the car that nearly secured him the title before a heart-breaking tyre blowout in Adelaide

These cars aren’t museum pieces at Goodwood – they move, they roar, and they’re driven with purpose. The FW11, supported by Honda’s Collection Hall, is a rare sight and a highlight for fans of Mansell’s golden era.

Mansell Mania Returns

For British motorsport fans, Nigel Mansell represents more than stats and silverware. He symbolises grit, heart, and the kind of racing that gets you out of your seat. From Silverstone to São Paulo, Mansell delivered drama, showed bravery, and pulled off breath-taking overtakes.

A few unforgettable moments?

• Silverstone 1987 – a 30-second charge and a late-race dummy on Nelson Piquet at Stowe corner
• Hungary 1989 – a stunning overtake on Ayrton Senna in traffic, showing lightning-fast instincts
• Mexico 1990 – a daring outside move on Gerhard Berger at the fearsome Peraltada corner
• Barcelona 1991 – wheel-to-wheel with Senna, centimetres apart down the main straight

These weren’t just overtakes. They were moments etched into Formula 1 folklore. And now, Goodwood fans will see the man who made them happen.

From Lotus Rookie to F1 Icon

Mansell’s journey to the top of Formula 1 wasn’t straightforward. Signed by Lotus founder Colin Chapman in 1980, he suffered a setback with Chapman’s untimely death in 1982. With his career in limbo, he found new life at Williams. Victory came at the 1985 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, and he never looked back.

By the time he retired in 1995, Mansell had 31 Grand Prix wins. At that point, he was the most successful British driver in F1 history – a record only later eclipsed by Sir Lewis Hamilton.

His 1992 campaign was dominant. Fourteen pole positions in just 16 races – a record nearly unmatched. Only Sebastian Vettel managed more in a single season, and he needed 19 races to do it.

A Champion on Both Sides of the Pond

Mansell’s story didn’t end with Formula 1. In 1993, he made the bold leap to the IndyCar World Series – and won it at his first attempt. That made him the only driver in history to hold both the Formula 1 and IndyCar titles at the same time.

His commitment and adaptability earned him fans not just in the UK, but also in Italy – where Ferrari’s Tifosi dubbed him ‘Il Leone’ – and across the United States.

Goodwood’s Favourite Lion

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has long been a haven for motorsport nostalgia. Since his debut appearance in 2006, Nigel Mansell has made it a habit of returning to West Sussex to delight fans.

In 2022, he was reunited with the very FW14B that carried him to the title – three decades after their historic season. Last year, the car returned to Goodwood again, this time piloted by Sebastian Vettel and running on sustainable fuel as part of his ‘Race Without Trace’ campaign.

Now, in 2025, Mansell will once again stand shoulder to shoulder with legends. He joins the ‘Champions Class’ alongside Alain Prost and Mario Andretti – two former team-mates and titans of the sport. More iconic names are set to be announced in the lead-up to the event.

The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Festival of Speed, expressed his excitement:
“Nigel was more than just a legend of the sport. He was a hero. His return brings back memories of Mansell Mania – the energy, the flags, the pure joy. Celebrating Formula 1’s 75th anniversary without him? Unthinkable.”

Event Details: Tickets and Highlights

This year’s Festival of Speed runs from Thursday to Sunday, with Friday through Sunday already sold out. Limited Thursday tickets remain and can be booked at goodwood.com.

Aside from Mansell’s headline appearance, visitors can look forward to:

• A tribute to four-time World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty
• The return of the Central Feature sculpture, this year spotlighting Gordon Murray Automotive
• Live runs from historic and modern F1 machinery
• Appearances from racing royalty across eras

For fans of performance cars, automotive design, and racing history, it’s the ultimate long weekend.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Legends

As Formula 1 marks its 75th year, there’s no better place to honour its heroes than at Goodwood. And there’s no better ambassador than Nigel Mansell – champion, crowd favourite, and driver of unforgettable moments.

Will you be there to see him climb the hill once more?

Have you ever witnessed Mansell in action – at a race or at Goodwood? Which F1 legend would you love to see at this year’s Festival of Speed? Share your memories and wishes in the comments below.

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