The Formula 1 Aramco British Grand Prix was always going to be a hive of celebrity activity, given the sport’s long-standing association with all things glitz and glamour.
And this year, the three-day sporting event didn’t disappoint as it delivered everything from awkward grid walk exchanges, Hollywood stars, and even some piping hot movie tea.
The Standard takes a look back at Silverstone’s best celeb moments since the chequered flag was waved at the 73rd British Grand Prix.
1. Cara Delevingne’s awkward exchange with F1’s Martin Brundle
It wouldn't be a Martin Brundle gridwalk without a little awkwardness 😅 pic.twitter.com/iCgilk1DqB
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 9, 2023
F1 broadcasting legend Martin Brundle has had his fair share of awkward exchanges during his infamous pre-race grid walks, and it’s safe to say that he has added another celebrity to that list.
After chatting to the likes of Man City manager Pep Guardiola and former One Direction star Liam Payne on the track, the Sky Sports presenter set his sights on British supermodel Cara Delevingne, who awkwardly declined his attempts.
When he asked her for a word, she responded, “I can’t hear anything I’m so sorry”, to which the former F1 driver sarcastically responded, “I’m sure it would have been extremely interesting”.
2. Actor Damian Lewis performed the National Anthem
Damian Lewis, singing the national anthem at the #BritishGP, in an Elvis voice, with a saxophonist…#BBCF1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/wm9CTUcOui
— Karen Fazackerley (@KarenFaz) July 9, 2023
Last year, racegoers were treated to the dulcet tones of UK Eurovision entry Sam Ryder and this year, it was Billions star Damian Lewis’ turn.
For the uninitiated, Lewis turned his attention from acting to music earlier this year and released his debut album, Mission Creep – a rootsy, rock-inspired release.
However, his performance didn’t hit the right note with all fans, who were left somewhat bemused by his jazz-tinged interpretation of the national anthem.
One viewer echoed many sentiments, writing: “Damian Lewis singing the national anthem accompanied by a sax. Since when did F1 get so random?!”
Prior to the performance, Lewis admitted he hadn’t slept in three weeks thinking about his performance, fearing he’d sing “Queen” instead of “King”.
3. Florence Pugh waved the chequered flag
Actress Florence Pugh, a new ambassador for @racingdementia, meets the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart at Silverstone
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2023
F1 announced a partnership with Race Against Dementia earlier this year, a charity that funds research into the prevention and cure of dementia#BritishGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/iayJ32oRE0
Florence Pugh followed in the footsteps of fellow Brit Tom Holland to wave the chequered flag at a Grand Prix this year.
The Little Women actress was on hand to mark Max Verstappen’s sixth-consecutive win this season and mark Lando Norris’ seventh career podium alongside Lewis Hamilton’s 14th Silverstone podium appearance.
Before the race, the Dune 2 star, who is an ambassador for Race Against Dementia, a charity that funds research into the prevention and cure of dementia, told Martin Brundle that she was excited to cheer for Hamilton.
4. Brad Pitt spilled the beans on his F1 film
"We've got to get you a cameo!" 😅
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 9, 2023
Brad Pitt reveals all about APXGP with Martin Brundle 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DjokRTIuLt
Brad Pitt’s appearance in the Paddock over the past four days has been well documented as he is filming an untitled F1 movie, which is produced by seven-time world champion Hamilton, at Silverstone.
And now the Oscar-winner has spilled the beans on what film lovers can expect from the high-octane feature, which sees him portraying an aging former F1 driver Sonny Hayes who rejoins the grid one last time.
Speaking of his character, Pitt told Sky Sports F1: “[Sonny] has a horrible crash, kind of cracks up and disappears. [He] then is racing in different disciplines and his friend, played by Javier Bardem, who is a team owner [of Apex Racing], they’re a last place team, they’re 21, 22 on the grid, they’ve never scored a point.
“They have a young phenom, played by Damson Idris, and he brings me in as a kind of Hail Mary and high jinks ensue.”
Reflecting on the show’s cinematographer, he added: “I tell you what’s amazing about it, you’ll see the cameras all over the car. The shots, you’ve never speed... you’ve never seen the G-forces like this. It’s really, really exciting.”
5. Calvin Harris headlined the circuit’s first-ever Launch Party
Calvin Harris blew the roof off Silverstone last night! 🎉🎶🇬🇧🏁#BritishGP pic.twitter.com/etj5KlYLiT
— EVES LH44 🔮🎃🕸 (@evenahguarts) July 7, 2023
Motorsports have never been more popular, in part thanks to acclaimed Netflix series Drive To Survive. And while the F1 enjoys the boost of a fresh fandom, it’s not just the sport that’s seeing the fruits of that popularity, but the Silverstone festival as a whole.
Thanks to its growing fandom, Silverstone bosses have made the weekend more than practice, qualifying and the Grand Prix itself – and rolled the red carpet out for some of the biggest artists in the world for the circuit’s first ever Launch Party.
The track enlisted the help of Ivor Novello Award winning songwriter and producer Jamie Scott to curate the “era-defining” event as well as the entire three-day festival’s musical offerings.
Headlining the Launch Party was Calvin Harris, alongside seven-time number-one artist Jess Glynne and Brits Rising Star nominee Cat Burns. Other acts to entertain the crowds included Tom Grennan, DJ Jax Jones, and pop superstars The Black Eyed Peas.
It’s not only the main stage that attracted the party but London outpost Mahiki, who brought tiki back to Silverstone. The Mahiki T1 Enclosure returned over the racing weekend and hosted a series of jaw-dropping parties with sets from Jungle, Sigala, DJ Fat Tony and Karen Harding.
Yet again, Silverstone has secured its spot as one of the most star-studded events on the F1 calendar.
