By Donna Richardson
No event in the world captures the essence of glamour, excitement, and prestige quite like Formula 1. This extraordinary spectacle travels around the globe, starting in Australia and then moving to the Far East with races in China and Japan. Following that, it ventures to the Middle East for events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, before heading to the USA with a race in Miami. The European leg of the season is about to begin this weekend, with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, followed by the iconic Monaco race. The tour continues with stops in Spain, Canada, and Austria, before culminating in a highly anticipated return to its birthplace in the UK – the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, which is recognised as the home of British motorsport.
This year, Silverstone celebrates its 75th anniversary, and the venue is readying itself for an illustrious gathering of influential figures to this legendary venue. Known for its unparalleled matchday hospitality, Silverstone is now elevating the experience for race fans and celebrities by offering luxurious accommodation at its on-site hotel, Escapade Silverstone, which is right at the heart of the action.
The high-octane energy of last year’s British Grand Prix, which Lewis Hamilton won for the ninth time, must have been incredible. Now, imagine watching the reigning champion navigate Silverstone’s most challenging turns from your bedroom window – it sounds like a dream, but it really could happen at Escapade.
Combining sleek accommodation and a hospitality and lifestyle haven with futuristic, pod-like suites, reminiscent of a James Bond lair, strategically placed at the electrifying corner of Maggotts – staying at Escapade is an experience guests just by staying get a license to thrills.
Escapade Silverstone. boasts 184 exquisite en-suite bedrooms, thoughtfully designed across 60 private residences with trackside views from exclusive balconies overlooking the racetrack and serene countryside residences equipped with car pods to showcase guests’ cars.
More than just a sanctuary for motorsport aficionados, Escapade is a holistic wellness retreat, featuring a state-of-the-art hospitality area, a fully equipped gym, a refreshing swimming pool, a gourmet restaurant, and even an inspiring art gallery. Now you can experience the pinnacle of luxury and excitement at Escapade – where motorsport magic meets refined living.
Italian Giuseppe Nino Farina won the first Formula One Championship on 13 May at Silverstone in 1950. The championship evolved from the World Manufacturers Championship and was transformed by Bernie Ecclestone into the glamorous sport we know today.
The next big event on the calendar is the upcoming British Grand Prix on 6 and 7 July. This year, Silverstone is elevating the experience for race fans and VIP’s alike. Guests and diners at Escapade hospitality can enjoy front-row seats for private trackside viewing of the Becketts and Maggotts corners, ensuring a unique experience right at the heart of the thrilling action.
This event is likely to be the hottest on the calendar with F1 royalty and celebs gracing the hospitality lounges. As well as the motor racing action, concerts will take place over the four-day event featuring Sam Fender, Raye, Fat Boy Slim, and Becky Hill, to name but a few. Additionally, this year’s Grand Prix will see the legendary three-Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay cooking in the pits with his F1 Garage, providing access to the pit lane, podium, an exclusive celebrity lounge, and fine dining. Accommodation will be highly sought after, especially as guests staying at Escapade can enjoy front-row seats for private trackside viewing.
After the British Grand Prix in July, the teams will jet off to Belgium and Hungary, followed by the high-speed Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort and the iconic Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Their journey then leads to Azerbaijan and Singapore, before returning to the States for the US Grand Prix in Texas, and continuing through the vibrant landscapes of Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
“This year Silverstone celebrates its 75th anniversary, and the venue is readying itself for an illustrious gathering of influential figures to this legendary venue.”
The adventure at Escapade begins the moment you arrive at Silverstone. Watching from home on TV doesn’t prepare you for the reality. The racetrack has its own outer roadway for logistics, and the entire site resembles a bustling mini-village, complete with various businesses surrounding the track.
Arriving just as the sun was about to set, some of us took the opportunity to trace the tracks of the F1 cars along the same track Max Verstapens tyres have gripped. Running on the track gives you an energising rush of adrenaline that sets the pace for the stay. It can be repeated at 7am every morning. Afterwards we met on the brand new Veuve Clicquot Hospitality Lounge terrace and looked out over the famous circuit while sipping on a glass of champagne.
“Escapade provides a haven for both teams and die-hard motorsport fans, who can awaken each morning to breathtaking views overlooking the track – akin to an actual rock-star experience.”
Where to stay
The intense travel schedule for any Formula 1 driver, engineer, or team member is a critical aspect of the racing life. Restorative sleep becomes vital for their performance as they endure such relentless time zone changes. Escapade provides a haven for both teams and die-hard motorsport fans, who can awaken each morning to breathtaking track views akin to an actual rock-star experience.
These private residences and hospitality area overlook the track, while others are nestled within 14 acres of surrounding countryside. Each privately owned property epitomises modern luxury, valued between £850,000 and £2 million. During the Grand Prix, trackside residences will go to the highest bidder, and the duplex is already estimated at around £48,000 a night. Outside of this though it is actually very affordable with prices starting at £250 a night.
Futuristic spaces line the racetrack, offering stunning views of iconic corners and serene countryside settings, or a dual-aspect residence for those seeking variety. The VIP drive-up parking, designed for supercars and featuring EV charging stations, adds a touch of luxury.
Choose from two- or four-bedroom apartments, each with open-plan living areas and en-suite bedrooms. One-bedroom residences suit individuals or couples, while the spacious four-bedroom options accommodate teams and corporate groups.
The bedrooms have a clean, fresh ambience, with beds so comfortable they feel like sleeping on a cloud, essential for rejuvenation before race day. All public spaces and design reflect the spirit of motorsport, with sleek modern living harmonising with natural light, warm timber accents, and inviting fabrics that create a sanctuary for petrolheads. As a premier wellness destination, it provides exclusive treatments that create a truly unique experience.
Dining
The restaurant is located one floor below the terrace and has a unique décor. Its eclectic art, selected by resident artist Renata Fernandes, features F1 giants such as Ayrton Senna among the motoring memorabilia. Ultimately, it offers a great view of the racetrack.
Matt Tsistrakis is the head chef of Gallery Restaurant. He previously worked at The Savoy in London, and I couldn’t wait to try his creations. For my starter, I chose the seafood bisque, which the waiter poured around a ravioli filled with squid ink. It looked beautiful and tasted amazing.
“The food was incredible, inventive and flavourful and presented exquisitely.”
As the sun set, the sky glowed with vibrant colours as I moved on to my main dish, braised beef cheek with creamy potatoes, caramelised onions, all drizzled with a luscious red wine jus that added depth to each bite. The food was incredible, inventive and flavourful and presented exquisitely. The wine complemented it perfectly. The atmosphere was lively, with high octane conversations between journalists including representatives from British Vogue and other esteemed publications, adding an extra layer of luxury to this remarkable culinary experience. Breakfasts are serve yourself and kept hot in state-of-the-art equipment.
Formula Health
Human performance osteopath Gemma Fisher expertly led a transformative rooftop yoga session designed to elevate our senses for an exhilarating race car adventure. With a proven track record of assisting elite Formula 1 drivers, Gemma’s holistic approach has redefined team health, pivotal in achieving a world record pit stop of just 1.92 seconds. Her work with an esteemed American IndyCar team uniquely bridges cutting-edge Formula 1 technology with healthcare at the Formula Health clinic in Berkshire..
Located at The Gallery at Escapade Silverstone, Formula Health offers wellness care led by Gemma and her team, who focus on improving your performance and recovery, whether on a track day or enjoying a getaway. They offer a 24/7 gym, pool, and sauna tailored for peak performance in a luxurious environment. You can book nutrigenetic Screening and DNA testing for personalised health insights. Experts analyse genetic markers to offer recommendations on your performance, dietary needs, health risks, and stress management. You can get ongoing support through personalised consultations. Gemma and her team begin with an assessment of your medical history to ensure safe treatment. They also assess your movement patterns to identify any imbalances or weaknesses which helps to design tailored rehabilitation programs for you. Then they offer personal training, strength and conditioning, or yoga and pilates classes or customised programmes o help you reach your fitness goals.
We enjoyed breathtaking views of the circuit, complemented by the thrilling soundtrack of roaring race cars as we practised yoga. Gemma skillfully guided us through targeted exercises designed to unlock our full potential, while also providing insightful health assessments and advanced DNA testing. By concentrating on areas of the body under stress, she offers invaluable breathing exercises that effectively calm the nervous system and empower us to manage stress confidently. Embrace this opportunity to enhance your well-being and elevate your performance with Gemma’s expert guidance.
“Human performance osteopath Gemma Fisher expertly led a transformative rooftop yoga session designed to elevate our senses for an exhilarating race car adventure. “
She said, “Many people come to see me feeling extremely stressed. They have gone through many tests, but still don’t know what is wrong. High cortisol levels in the body can cause many issues. By doing microbiome tests, we can find out what is affecting your skin, gut, and other areas. We have amazing health technologies. One blood test can show you which medications you should or shouldn’t take. I will also introduce an oxygen chamber in the gym. You will breathe in pure oxygen, which helps energise your cells and can reduce pain from fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions. These conditions are often linked to the nervous system, and our cryotherapy chamber can help.”
She explained, “We treat everyone as an individual, but of course race car drivers have specific bespoke programmes elevated above the public offerings.”
“Some share common issues. However, younger drivers often develop tennis elbow because they start karting at a young age. This can lead to a C-shaped posture from the kart seat. To help, we focus on stretching the chest, neck, and front of the hips. We don’t just do passive stretching, which is only temporary; we combine it with osteopathic treatment for the spine and diaphragm. Neurogenetic kits can show your genetic makeup, and with that information, you can take steps to prevent problems.”
Let’s drive
Now we were supple, it was time for lunch, ahead of our drive experience. Since the release of “Drive to Survive,” on Netflix, the popularity of F1 has skyrocketed, leading to increased interest in staying at the hotel beyond the scheduled events such as the British Grand Prix, British MotoGP, and Silverstone Festival. One of the highlights of staying at Silverstone is booking an ultimate driving day, where you can get behind the wheel of a supercar around the UK’s only current F1 circuit. The supercar experience allows racing fans to drive on the world-famous track and test a McLaren 620R, a Ferrari and an Aston Martin Vantage.
Alternatively, a single-seater option is available for those seeking a closer track experience, giving the closest experience to driving an aerodynamic F1 car. As we arrived at the pits, the smell of fuel and the thrill of adventure filled the air. The adrenaline was electrifying as we met our race car drivers following a briefing by the chief instructor of Silverstone and Thruxton Racing. Steve Deeks, who had once been a protégé of Jackie Stewart.
He said, “This is a fantastic venue for a supercar experience, and we make people’s dreams come true. Here, you have all your bases covered, regardless of your taste in supercars. This isn’t just about running up and down an airfield, although it used to be an RAF airfield; we are a Grand Prix circuit, which really allows people to stretch their legs at Silverstone. When people come here, they get a taste for it; maybe they will choose to drive a single-seater next time. We are focusing on the young driver market, and we will have a karting circuit that is projected to be finished in August. One of my other roles involves training in karting, and when it’s ready, we will have the facilities for young drivers to step up to race cars. This will serve as a bridge to driving single-seaters, BMWs, or supercars.”
He added: “I have ten instructors from various backgrounds who are trained in the rigours of racing and here with us. We are fortunate to have such a high calibre of talented and passionate drivers, and I hope you enjoy the experience.”
“This is a fantastic venue for a supercar experience, and we make people’s dreams come true.”
Steve Deeks Head instructor at Silverstone
One by one, the other drivers introduced themselves, and soon we were paired off for our race experiences. Having started the day running on the race track, now was the time we were about to add some horsepower and race around Silverstone on four wheels. It was an exciting moment as we pulled on our helmets and imagined what was ahead. First, we climbed into the BMW fleet cars. Soon we were reaching speeds of 150 mph, and my heart was in my throat. But it was nothing compared to the feeling when we progressed to the supercars and reached 170 to 200 mph.
My driver was Alex Tate, who has been racing since 14 and has been an instructor at Silverstone for 10 years, took me around the track in the cars. First, we had a spin in the Ferrari, a gleaming red vision of beauty which purred and roared around the race track as my driver put her through her paces.
I immediately began to regret eating half an hour before. As the pavement was torn up ahead of us, I couldn’t help but glimpse the gleaming accommodation ahead of us on the corner of Maggotts. There was no time to point out other iconic corners such as Becketts and Chapel, as we whizzed round in three laps before pulling back into the pit lane and trying out the Aston Martin, which had me feeling like a Bond girl as I sat in the passenger seat. Last but not least was the McLaren, which was by far the best car. Her wings opened up like a ladybird and I folded my body into the moulded seat, trying not to bang my head on the door – luckily I had a helmet. Afterwards, I got to quiz the drivers about their journeys into the sport.
I spoke to the drivers one by one and learned some tips and tricks about becoming an elite motorsport driver. Most of them began as kart drivers, and once they reached 14 years old, they stepped up to race cars via Formula 3 and 2.
First, I quizzed Danny Watts, who won three Le Mans twin car races, considered one of the best coaches in the country. He partnered with Kimi Räikkönen in the Formula Renault Championship. He said: “I have lived most of my life in Buckingham. After I finished my GCSE’s, I worked at an indoor karting track and later at a driving school. I took some time off to chase other racing opportunities and ended up racing in Formula 3.
“At 14, young drivers can enter three or four types of motorsports, which are safe for those aged 14 to 17. However, motorsports need financial support from family, sponsors, or other backers. For example, the F1 Academy has strong sponsorship. As you advance, finding sponsors becomes more important. While it may seem overwhelming initially, motorsport websites offer helpful guidance to understand the process.”
Tauro Nakano, from Japan, started his career karting in 1988 at the age of 15. He moved up to single-seaters in 1994 and began competing in Japanese FJ1600, F4, Formula Toyota, and British Formula Vauxhall championships in the late nineties. He has been instructing at Silverstone and in Japan since 2000.
Another driver, Charlie, has been racing since 2014, aged 14. He said: “I started as a junior and then worked my way up, a little endurance and I am currently racing a classic Formula 1 car as well as facilitating Porsche experiences as well as instructing”
Tom from Manchester added, “My dad was an amateur driver. As a child, I often watched him race. When I was old enough, I worked for the racing team as a mechanic. I saved some money and got my racing lic ense. My local pub sponsored me, which was great. I raced for a year and did okay, but then I switched to race engineering. After that, I got married and had kids, so my racing slowed down, although I still race a little now and then.”
When discussing female drivers in motorsport, Steve added: “We have Abby Heaton, our most well-known female driver, who appeared on the Grand Tour. Then there’s Liona Theobald, currently racing in the mini championship, and Lydia Walmsley. We’ve likely gathered most of Britain’s finest female motorsport athletes here. People often ask me if a woman can be as skilled a driver as a man, and I would say absolutely. The key is to be fearless; after all, why would you want to drive at high speeds into a corner with 30 other cars all vying for the same piece of track simultaneously? This recklessness is part of why we haven’t seen as many women rise to elite levels until now.”
“We are actively seeking the next talent because Formula 1 drivers are getting younger. We also see young girls rising through the ranks as race engineers as well as drivers, making the sport more accessible than ever. Britain is still a country that genuinely leads the world in this field, and our goal is to inspire youngsters to reach the upper levels of the sport.”
Staying at the hotel located near the Formula 1 racetrack offers a unique experience, especially for motorsport fans who want to be close to the action without straying far from their rooms. The entire experience is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with exceptional hospitality that makes you feel like royalty. Indulge in gourmet dining, where each dish is a work of art crafted from the finest ingredients, to tantalise your taste buds with exquisite flavours. Immerse yourself in a curated collection of stunning artwork that enhances the atmosphere, while rejuvenating wellness options invite you to unwind and relax. All of this comes with breathtaking panoramic views of the racetrack, providing a vibrant backdrop to your stay. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, perfectly suited for the exhilarating British Grand Prix, the thrilling Moto GP, or any other exciting event on the racing calendar, as well as memorable experiences outside the world of racing.
The Lowdown
Trackside residences start from £570 pre-paid or £670 flexible rate. Countryside residences are £250 to £290 and Dual Aspect from £460 to £560.
Donna Richardson received a complimentary overnight stay, dinner, breakfast, lunch and yoga as well as a trackside experience.
