Racing into history

Course marks 100 years since Britain's first Grand Prix

- BY GILES CHAPMAN

When the 2026 Formula 1 Championship World roars into life next month at the Australian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on British reigning champion Lando Norris.

And by the time racing's biggest names arrive at Silverstone in July fans will be revved up for the action.

But nothing will compare to the drama and sheer danger witnessed at the very first British Grand Prix, held 100 years ago this year, at Brooklands, in the Surrey countryside.

Drivers' legs were virtually sautéed by exhaust pipes. Some wore lounge suits as they powered around corners and racegoers cheered the winner from the track edge.

A place in the Grand Prix calendar was first offered to Britain in 1925 by the Association Internationale Des Automobile Clubs Reconnus, via its member the Royal Automobile Club.

But there was nowhere to stage it. Racing on closedoff public roads, as they did in France, was illegal.

Brooklands opened near Weybridge in 1907 was designed as an oval for speed testing and record-breaking. So, for the 1926 Grand Prix, the RAC made false chicanes using piles of sand, to give drivers a challenging circuit with tight corners.

International entries were invited, with Delage and Talbot from France each entering three-car teams.

British hopes were pinned on world land speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell (in a French Bugatti) and Frank Halford in his homemade Halford Special.