Silverstone is the best Grand Prix in the world, here’s why

It’s fair to say Lewis Hamilton has become a divisive driver on the grid. He’s by no means as universally liked as Jenson Button, despite his recently sustained success on the tarmac. Yet, after storming to victory at the 2016 FORMULA ONE BRITISH GRAND PRIX, Hamilton rode a wave of adulation, literally, that was counter to the picture you’d paint of him after holding a casual conversation about F1.

A mob of spectators stormed the track to see his podium moment, chanting his name for minutes at a time. This was an appreciation from the crowd of Hamilton’s ability behind a wheel. Putting aside his social media and evening antics, to focus on what matters most at the end of the day – crossing the checkered flag first and in style.

Lewis Hamilton crowd surfing after victory at Silverstone

I’ve been fortunate enough to attend two Grand Prix this summer — the other being Monaco, which Lewis also put in a world class performance to take gold. Whilst the setting for the Monte Carlo event is unrivalled, Silverstone carries an ineffable edge to its atmosphere. It is undoubtedly the home of racing.

Last Sunday, 135,000 fans packed into Silverstone, you couldn’t move for petrolheads in certain sections of the famous old track. With Monaco, arguably the second best meeting in the calendar, there’s a decorum to be observed among the yachts, the Ferraris and magnums of champagne. It’s a sight to see and experience but Silverstone on the other hand is sheer unadulterated, unfiltered passion.

Lewis Hamilton addressing the crowd after his win

That’s not to tarnish the principality, the access to track, drivers and the city experience is phenomenal, but Silverstone has an insular quality that ensures a level of racing, knowledge and zeal that you’d struggle to find elsewhere. Bar, perhaps, Monza.

Even the VIP experience is entirely contrasting. The mega rich and super famous flock to the Riviera and perch from the yacht deck to take it all in; the Paddock Club at Silverstone is ultimately luxurious – with the Johnnie Walker bar (the official whisky of the event) and variety of dining options – but there’s a buzz around the place. It may be packed with the 1% and unimaginably high follower counts, but there’s tangible excitement, an engrossment in the race as opposed to a social battle that disregards the sport as background noise.

The Johnnie Walker bar at Silverstone’s Paddock Club

Of course, any race is what you make of it and Silverstone’s surrounding counties make for a stunning backdrop for a weekend away from the city. This is how to do it best for the years to come.

Get out of the city, the journey from London to Silverstone can be brutal, particularly during race weekend. Oxford is a pleasant go between, the City of Dreaming Spires, just an hour away from the circuit, the journey felt much smoother than the 60 minute drive — on both qualifying and race day we rarely encountered traffic between the two locales.

Alternatively, if the centre of town isn’t quite escape enough for you, Soho Farmhouse, the countryside retreat from the Soho Group. Set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside with over 40 cabins, and an idyllic farm house, it’s the perfect place to pitch up for a weekend and enjoy its unique atmosphere — if you’re a member or know someone who is.

Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire

The Saturday and Friday will certainly yield some spare time away from the circuit, squeeze the most out of the weekend by enjoying the surrounding areas, particularly if you’ve decided to settle in the university town.

For food – there’s Gee’s, situated in the centre of Oxford, the iconic glass house restaurant is a feast of traditional British food with a glimpse into quintessential oxford, ideal for a brunch or breakfast before heading to the circuit. During the evening, post race, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, is the ultimate epicurean experience. The two michelin star experience is Raymond Blanc’s most famous hotel and restaurant and more than worth booking a table at whilst you’re in town.

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire

For drinks – The Varsity Club, at the time of an inconspicuous winding staircase provides incredible vistas of Oxford, soak up the city from here before heading to dinner, for a tipple of choice, Johnnie Walker Red Label mixed with ginger ale is a simple summer cocktail that’ll lift spirits and moods.

An expertly poured Johnnie and ginger

Post-dinner, Freud Bar is an unconventional spot that’ll prove memorable. Found in Jericho, a historic part of Oxford, it’s a converted church, which boasts high ceiling, stained glass windows and exceptional cocktails.

The 2016 FORMULA ONE BRITISH GRAND PRIX experience was provided to Gentleman’s Journal by Johnnie Walker

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