Formula 1 celebrates 75th anniversary with restored footage of first-ever GP
13th May 2025Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary today as it releases colourised footage of the first-ever race, the British Grand Prix.
Feature image credit: Formula 1
On May 13, 1950, the first-ever grand prix was conducted around the airfield which would become iconic in British motorsports, the Silverstone circuit.
The British Grand Prix was the first of seven championship races which were featured in the inaugural championship season, including; Monaco, the Indy 500, Switzerland, Belgium, France before ending in Italy.
As part of the day of celebration, the sport has released restored, and colourised footage of the first race, won by Italy’s Giuseppe Farina – the first-ever world drivers champion.
The restored images have been brought to life using AI software, reference imagery and manual painting techniques.
Credit: Formula 1
“75 years ago today our sport roared to life, and we are privileged to continue the incredible legacy of the brave drivers who raced for the ultimate prize on this day in 1950,” commented Formula 1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
“It is fantastic to see this footage brought to life in full colour, and an amazing way to mark this historic moment.
“Today is a day when we can pay tribute to those who have come before us; drivers, engineers, team owners and of course, our fans, without whom we would not be in the position we are today.
“For 75 years we have innovated and driven the world forward, exciting our fans with feats of human endurance and speed that continue to amaze. Here is to the next 75 years and beyond for this incredible sport. Avanti Tutta!”
Over the last 75 years, there have been 1,131 Grands Prix completed of which has been raced by 787 drivers, from 41 countries.
115 drivers have become Formula 1 race winners, the most recent maiden winner being McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, and only 34 drivers have become world drivers champions.
A staggering 363,956.169km have been completed since the inaugural race in 1950, until the Miami Grand Prix, which is the equivalent of driving around the Earth nine times – or 95% of the way to the Moon.
As part of the celebrations, Formula 1 are live streaming seven full ‘classic races,’ with highlights across the decades and the earliest moments of the drivers and team principals in the sport.
This is available to see on YouTube.
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