Goodwood is set to deliver a landmark motorsport moment this July, as the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard commemorates 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship with a celebration as star-studded as the sport itself. Among the headline names, one figure stands out as a living embodiment of motorsport excellence — 1978 Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti, who will attend all four days of the event from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July.
Fans will witness Andretti return to the Goodwood Hillclimb behind the wheel of his iconic Lotus 79, the ground-effect masterpiece that propelled him to F1 glory. His participation forms part of the “Champions” class — a gathering of legends set to honour the seven-and-a-half-decade legacy of Grand Prix racing.
A Champion Unlike Any Other
Born in Italy and raised in the United States, Mario Andretti’s career reads like a checklist of motorsport’s most revered accomplishments. From dirt track racing with his twin brother Aldo in 1959, to the high-speed straights of Monza, the banked turns of Daytona, and the treacherous curves of Le Mans, Andretti triumphed across disciplines with a level of versatility rarely seen before or since.
To this day, he remains the only driver in history to win the Daytona 500 (1967), the Indianapolis 500 (1969), and the Formula 1 World Championship (1978) — motorsport’s unofficial ‘Triple Crown’. Alongside fellow American Dan Gurney, he is one of just two drivers to have claimed victories in Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, and World Sportscar Championship competition.
Even during his championship-winning F1 campaign in 1978, Andretti didn’t stay still. He competed in eight IndyCar races that year, flying across the Atlantic on the Concorde to juggle commitments on both sides of the pond.
A Racing Dynasty
The Andretti name resonates through generations of motorsport. In 1991 and 1992, no fewer than four Andrettis lined up on the Indy 500 grid: Mario, his sons Michael and Jeff, and nephew John. He’s also shared 24-hour race cockpits with his family — at Le Mans in 1988 (with Michael and John) and Daytona in 1991 (with Michael and Jeff).
Though retired from competitive driving, Mario remains at the sharp end of the sport. He regularly takes the wheel of the IndyCar two-seater at races and sits on the board of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which is set to join the F1 grid in 2026.
Returning to the Festival of Speed
Mario last appeared at Goodwood in 2021 and is set to make a triumphant return this July. Speaking about the upcoming event, he shared his excitement:
“I have been to the Goodwood Festival of Speed many times, driving various iconic cars. And I’m ready for another run up the hill in my Lotus 79. Why do I keep coming back? It’s a memorable experience with a wonderful community of car enthusiasts who bring the heart and the noise. There are so many greats in the paddock at Goodwood – the cars, their mechanics and of course the drivers. It will be fun to see how this year’s celebration of 75 years of Formula 1 comes together.”
The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Festival of Speed, echoed the sentiment:
“I am thrilled that Mario will be joining us at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. He is, in many ways, the ultimate motorsport hero — a truly global superstar, who mastered every racing discipline in which he competed. He is also one of the most eloquent and charismatic men ever to sit in a racing car. I can’t wait to see him back aboard the stunning Lotus 79 — one of the greatest partnerships in Formula 1 history.”
Don’t Miss It
As one of the Festival’s most anticipated appearances, Andretti’s run up the Hill promises to be a highlight in a weekend packed with legends. He’ll be joined by four-time F1 World Champion Alain Prost, with more famous names yet to be announced.
With limited Thursday tickets still available at goodwood.com, this is a rare opportunity to witness a motorsport icon in action and celebrate a defining milestone in Formula 1 history — all against the backdrop of one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events.
