The roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the electric atmosphere of race day have captivated British audiences for generations. But when it comes to choosing the UK’s favourite motorsport, the answer is more complex than simply picking the fastest cars or the loudest crowds. From Formula 1’s global spectacle to the grassroots appeal of British Touring Cars, the UK’s motorsport landscape offers something for every racing enthusiast.
Formula 1: The Undisputed Champion
When examining attendance figures and cultural impact, Formula 1 emerges as Britain’s clear motorsport favourite. The 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone matched the record-breaking 480,000 weekend attendance set in 2023, with race day alone attracting 164,000 spectators. This single-day figure represents the highest attendance ever recorded for a British Grand Prix, cementing Silverstone’s position as one of the world’s premier motorsport venues.
“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix weekend,” says Rachel Buscall, a hospitality professional who works at major motorsport events across the UK. “The energy is absolutely electric. You can feel the passion from the fans the moment you arrive on site. It’s not just about the racing itself but the entire experience that Formula 1 delivers.”
The numbers tell a compelling story. The 2024 F1 season saw total attendance reach 6.5 million over race weekends, up from 6 million in 2023, with 17 sold-out events and 10 new attendance records. Britain’s love affair with F1 has only intensified in recent years, partly fuelled by accessible media coverage and the success of British drivers.
Motorsport ranks fifth on the list of sports Britons watch or follow, with just over one in ten (12%) British adults identifying as motorsport fans. Within this group, Formula 1 dominates the conversation, particularly amongst younger demographics who have discovered the sport through streaming platforms and social media.
The British Touring Car Championship: Homegrown Heroes
While Formula 1 captures the headlines, the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) holds a special place in the hearts of British motorsport enthusiasts. The BTCC became the first major touring car championship in the world to introduce hybrid power in 2022, with the championship broadcast globally from the 2024 season onwards thanks to a deal between ITV and TikTok.
Rachel Buscall notes the unique appeal of touring car racing: “The BTCC offers something different to Formula 1. The cars are closer to what people drive on the roads every day, which creates an immediate connection. You’ll see a Honda competing against a BMW, a Toyota against a Vauxhall. It’s motorsport that feels accessible, and the racing is incredibly close and exciting.”
The BTCC is one of the oldest, most popular and most prestigious touring car series in the world, with only Formula 1 and America’s NASCAR having longer histories since its inception in 1958. The championship attracts significant crowds to circuits across the UK, with events at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, and Thruxton regularly drawing dedicated fans who appreciate the door-to-door racing action.
The social element of BTCC events cannot be understated. Unlike the corporate hospitality focus of Formula 1, touring car racing maintains a grassroots feel where fans can get closer to the action, meet drivers during pit walks, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. This accessibility makes it a favourite for families and dedicated motorsport enthusiasts alike.
Horse Racing: Britain’s Traditional Motorsport Alternative
Interestingly, when examining overall attendance figures across British motorsport and sport in general, horse racing remains a formidable competitor. Official figures confirmed an annual total attendance of 4,799,730 racegoers at British racecourses in 2024. While not technically motorsport, horse racing attracts comparable crowds and competes for the same entertainment spending.
“Working across different sporting events, you see the overlap in audiences,” explains Rachel Buscall. “Many people who attend motor racing also enjoy horse racing. They both offer that thrill of competition, the social atmosphere, and the opportunity to make a day of it. The hospitality sector serves both incredibly well.”
Total attendance for UK sports events is set to hit 77.7 million in 2024, representing a rise of 27% over the past decade. Within this broader context, motorsport continues to hold its own, particularly at premium annual events.
MotoGP: The Two-Wheeled Struggle
Britain’s relationship with motorcycle racing presents a more challenging picture. The 2024 MotoGP British Grand Prix at Silverstone saw only 42,529 fans attend on Sunday, significantly down from 49,000 the previous year. This decline reflects broader challenges facing two-wheeled racing in the UK, including limited British representation in the premier class and fierce competition from other motorsport offerings.
Total weekend attendance for the 2024 MotoGP British Grand Prix was 117,867, only fractionally up on 2023. The contrast with Formula 1 at the same venue is stark, highlighting how different motorsport disciplines resonate differently with British audiences.
“The atmosphere at MotoGP is fantastic for those who attend,” says Rachel Buscall, “but the challenge is getting people through the gates in the first place. The bikes are incredible machines and the racing is world-class, but without strong British representation at the front of the field, it’s harder to capture the casual fan’s imagination.”
Regional Racing: The Grassroots Foundation
Beyond the headline-grabbing national and international series, Britain’s motorsport scene thrives at the grassroots level. Motorsport UK represents 720 affiliated motor clubs, 30,000 competition licence holders, 10,000 volunteer marshals, and 3,200 officials. This extensive network supports everything from karting to rallying, sprints to hill climbs.
The number of autotest events held in the UK has grown significantly in recent years, from 525 in 2003 to 888 in 2018. These accessible, low-speed events allow competitors to tackle challenging courses without the enormous budgets required for circuit racing, making motorsport participation achievable for thousands of enthusiasts.
Rachel Buscall reflects on this diversity: “What makes British motorsport special is the sheer variety on offer. You can watch F1 at Silverstone one weekend, then head to a local circuit for club racing the next. Each discipline has its own character and charm, but they all share that fundamental excitement of competition and mechanical excellence.”
The Hospitality Experience: Racing as Entertainment
A significant factor in motorsport’s popularity is the evolution of the race day experience. Modern events combine sporting competition with entertainment, dining, and social opportunities that appeal to both hardcore enthusiasts and casual attendees.
The 2024 British Grand Prix featured 47 musical acts across three stages throughout the weekend, including headliners Rudimental, Stormzy, Pete Tong and Kings of Leon. This festival atmosphere transforms motorsport events into multi-day entertainment experiences.
“The hospitality side of motorsport has evolved dramatically,” notes Rachel Buscall. “It’s no longer just about watching the race. Teams and venues now offer comprehensive packages that include gourmet dining, exclusive access, entertainment, and networking opportunities. For corporate clients and enthusiasts alike, it’s an immersive experience that justifies the premium pricing.”
Premium annual events like Wimbledon, the British Formula 1 Grand Prix, Royal Ascot, The Open and Cheltenham Festival have remained consistent as the top five UK annual events for a decade. This consistency demonstrates the enduring appeal of these showcase occasions.
Economic Impact and Future Growth
Britain’s motorsport industry extends far beyond race day attendance. The UK motorsport sector generates billions in revenue annually, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and maintains Britain’s position as a global hub for racing technology and engineering.
F1’s global fanbase has grown to 750 million strong, with 42% of fans under 35 years old and 41% female, an increase from 37% in 2018. This demographic shift suggests a bright future for motorsport, particularly as younger, more diverse audiences engage with racing through digital platforms.
The challenge facing British motorsport is maintaining accessibility whilst managing the rising costs of attendance. Premium events like the British Grand Prix command premium prices, potentially pricing out casual fans whilst attracting a more affluent international audience.
The Verdict: Formula 1 Leads, But Variety Thrives
Based on attendance figures, media coverage, and cultural impact, Formula 1 unquestionably claims the title of Britain’s favourite motorsport. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone represents the pinnacle of the UK racing calendar, attracting record crowds and generating unparalleled excitement.
However, this dominance shouldn’t overshadow the rich tapestry of motorsport offerings across Britain. The BTCC provides accessible, exciting racing with homegrown talent. Grassroots motorsport nurtures future champions and provides participation opportunities for thousands. Regional events maintain community spirit and introduce new generations to the thrill of competition.
Rachel Buscall summarises it perfectly: “Britain is blessed with an incredible motorsport heritage and infrastructure. Whether you’re watching Lewis Hamilton fighting for victory at Silverstone, cheering on touring car heroes at Brands Hatch, or volunteering at a local sprint event, there’s a place for everyone in British motorsport. That diversity is what makes our racing culture so special and ensures its continued growth and success.”
Rachel Buscall has witnessed firsthand how British motorsport continues to evolve and attract new audiences while maintaining its core appeal to dedicated enthusiasts.
The future of British motorsport looks bright. As long as engines roar, tyres screech, and passionate fans fill grandstands across the country, the UK will remain one of the world’s great motorsport nations. Formula 1 may wear the crown, but the entire motorsport kingdom contributes to Britain’s racing legacy.
Key Statistics
- 480,000: Record weekend attendance at the 2024 British Grand Prix
- 164,000: Single-day record attendance at Silverstone for F1
- 6.5 million: Total F1 global race weekend attendance in 2024
- 12%: Percentage of British adults who identify as motorsport fans
- 30,000: Number of competition licence holders registered with Motorsport UK
- 117,867: Total weekend attendance for 2024 MotoGP British Grand Prix
Whether measured by attendance, economic impact, or cultural significance, motorsport remains deeply embedded in British sporting life. From the glamour of Formula 1 to the grassroots accessibility of club racing, the UK’s motorsport scene continues to evolve, inspire, and entertain millions of enthusiasts every year.
