Mike Wilds Guy Loveridge and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu

Icons of Formula 1 launched at the National Motor Museum

02 June 2025

The National Motor Museum’s Icons of Formula 1 display was officially opened this week with British motor racing drivers in attendance. 

The temporary exhibition was declared opened by Formula 1 driver Mike Wilds who drove race cars in eight Formula One World Championship Grands Prix in the 1970s.  Mike was joined by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and heritage consultant and motorsport writer Guy Loveridge.

The display offers a chance to experience the thrill of Formula 1 and celebrate the legendary icons of speed.

Until 2nd November 2025 the display at the Beaulieu museum will mark 75 years since the inaugural Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 1950. The temporary exhibition brings together nine iconic Formula 1 racing cars, including cars from World Championship winning teams such as BRM, Lotus, Williams and Ferrari. Each vehicle represents a decade of technical and sporting development in Formula 1’s illustrious history – as well as some of its most legendary drivers.

The Museum’s celebration also offers visitors the chance to experience the thrill of driving the powerful machines with an immersive adrenaline-fuelled Formula 1 simulator experience. The state-of-the art simulator sessions gives the rush of sitting in the cockpit of an F1 car, just like a real racing drive.  The sim racing experiences is available as an addition to the Beaulieu attraction ticket, and visitors will get the opportunity to compete for a monthly Scalextric prize for the best lap time around the realistic circuit.

Celebration launch event for Icons of Formula 1

Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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