Jonathan Legard Previews the Formula 1® British Grand Prix

With the Formula 1 British Grand Prix fast approaching, few voices carry more authority on the sport than Jonathan Legard’s. As a former BBC Formula 1 commentator, he’s called some of the most dramatic moments in the sport’s history from the gantry – and he knows Silverstone better than most. We caught up with Jonathan to get his take on this year’s title fight, his favourite Grand Prix memories, and what makes race week at Silverstone so unmissable.

Can Lewis Hamilton Win a Title with Ferrari?

Sir Lewis Hamilton is setting his sights on a record eighth World Championship win.

It’s the question every fan wants answered, and Jonathan doesn’t rule it out. “If he gets the car where he wants it, he’s absolutely a championship contender”, he says. And the motivation is obvious – Hamilton is chasing a record eighth world title, a feat that would cement his place as the most successful driver the sport has ever seen.

Will Max Verstappen Stay at Red Bull?

For Jonathan, Verstappen’s future comes down to one thing: performance. “It’s all about performance for Max. If he feels that he can win at Red Bull, he’ll stay.”

Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing is still up in the air.

Verstappen has been vocal about finishing his career with the team, but Jonathan notes that a switch to a rival like Mercedes or McLaren wouldn’t necessarily be straightforward – the four-time champion has very specific preferences when it comes to car setup, which could create tension with a new team-mate. “He’s a four-time champion who likes to call the shots”, Jonathan adds.

What Makes the British Grand Prix So Special?

Ask any driver or pundit and they’ll tell you Silverstone is unlike anywhere else on the calendar. Jonathan points to three ingredients: knowledge, speed, and unpredictability.

Trackside views from The Pegasus Lounge at Silverstone Circuit

The crowd, he says, is “probably the most knowledgeable fans in the world”, packing the grandstands for every session of the weekend. The circuit itself is built for overtaking and drama, and then there’s the great equaliser – the British weather, always ready to throw a curveball into even the best-laid strategy.

Why The Pegasus Lounge Is the Place to Be

We asked Jonathan what makes The Pegasus Lounge such a special vantage point for race weekend, and it’s clear the location alone does a lot of the talking. “It’s right by one of the most spectacular series of fast corners anywhere in the world, so you see the cars in all their glory emerging from Copse corner and swinging through Maggotts and Becketts.”

Meet the likes of Guenther Steiner and more in The Pegasus Lounge!

That’s before factoring in premium hospitality food and drink, and guest speakers of the calibre of Jenson Button, Damon Hill and Guenther Steiner. Guests also get complimentary access to grandstand seating overlooking Farm Curve, Aintree, the Wellington Straight, and Maggotts and Becketts!

A Silverstone Moment to Remember

When it comes to standout memories, Jonathan doesn’t hesitate: Lewis Hamilton’s win in 2024.

“Remember who you are.” – Lewis Hamilton always performs well at Silverstone!

It was a record ninth British Grand Prix victory for Hamilton, and his first win since the heartbreak of losing the title at Abu Dhabi in 2021. The emotion said it all – Hamilton later admitted, in Jonathan’s words, that he “couldn’t stop crying” once he crossed the line.

The Most Memorable Moment in British Grand Prix History

WATCH: Nigel Mansell gives Ayrton Senna a lift (Source: YouTube).

Further back, Jonathan’s pick belongs to a different era entirely: Nigel Mansell giving Ayrton Senna a lift back to the pits in 1991, with Senna perched on the sidepod of Mansell’s winning Williams after his McLaren ran out of fuel on the final lap. As Jonathan puts it, it’s a moment of sportsmanship “that would never happen today.”

Will There Be a British Podium Sweep?

Home fans will be dreaming of a British one-two-three, but Jonathan is cautious.

Fans at Silverstone Circuit will be hoping for a memorable weekend on the podium!

He thinks it’s unlikely all three podium spots will go to home drivers, though he does fancy two Brits making the cut – Lewis Hamilton and George Russell – fighting it out with Kimi Antonelli for the final step.

Who Will Be Crowned 2026 Formula 1 World Champion?

Jonathan’s money is on Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes, “unless Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari continue their improved form” – a title race that could well be settled in the closing rounds!

Interviewing Legends in The Pegasus Lounge

Having interviewed a host of F1 greats inside The Pegasus Lounge, Jonathan finds it hard to separate two names: Jenson Button and Damon Hill. “Two great British drivers who know how to play to an audience,” he says. “Lots of smiles on and off stage.”

Jonathan’s Formula 1 Mount Rushmore

Finally, we asked Jonathan to name his four all-time F1 legends:

Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton make up Jonathan Legard’s F1 Mount Rushmore

• Juan Manuel Fangio – Five world titles in seven seasons, achieved in an era when safety was barely a consideration.
• Niki Lauda – Jonathan’s personal favourite, in his iconic Ferrari 312T, whose three titles were built on grit, courage after his horrific 1976 injuries, and a refusal to live life any other way.
• Ayrton Senna – A driver who elevated F1 to another level in any conditions, remembered for moments like his opening lap at Donington in 1993 and his extraordinary pole lap at Monaco.
• Lewis Hamilton – A trailblazer with a record of success that continues to grow, and, in Jonathan’s view, a genuine contender for a record eighth world title.

Join Us in The Pegasus Lounge at Silverstone Circuit!

There’s no better way to experience the Formula 1 British Grand Prix than from Corinthian Sports’ exclusive Pegasus Lounge at Silverstone Circuit. The lounge offers a glass-fronted setting with a private terrace overlooking Copse Corner into Maggotts, plus reserved grandstand seating with views across six corners.

Here’s what’s included:

• Access to our exclusive glass-fronted Pegasus Lounge with a private terrace overlooking Copse Corner into Maggotts
• A Champagne reception, gourmet food, and complimentary bar all day
• Reserved grandstand seating with views of six corners around the circuit
• The chance to rub shoulders with sporting legends past and present, including former F1 World Champions and paddock insiders
• A stellar line-up of guest speakers, past years featuring names like Martin Brundle, Guenther Steiner, and multiple F1 World Champions

Places in The Pegasus Lounge sell out every year, and 2026 is no exception. If you want to secure your seats trackside for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix in 2027, now’s the time to act!

Join our 2027 Formula 1 British Grand Prix waitlist today!