Liam Lawson drives a historic Ford GT40 at Goodwood.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an event that is unique in many ways. Where else can young drivers of modern Formula 1 get the chance to try out legendary cars that have left a significant mark in the history of motorsport – such an opportunity was presented to Liam Lawson this weekend.
The New Zealand driver for Racing Bulls was entrusted to take the wheel of the historic Ford GT40 Mk. II, in which his famous compatriots Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon won the "24 Hours of Le Mans" 60 years ago.
"My hands are still shaking!" Liam admitted after another run up the hill climb track. "This is a truly special car, and of course, it has a rich and glorious history. I have already had the chance to drive a similar vehicle – last year I drove the road version of the GT40 and since then I have constantly thought about this 1966 car with the number 2.
I didn't even expect to get to drive it here at Goodwood, but when I saw it, I just asked to be allowed behind the wheel – and they kindly let me! And now I don't even want to get out of the cockpit, as the experience of driving this car is indescribable. It can't even be compared to the cars we currently race in Formula 1.
The level and frequency of vibrations, the sound of its 7-liter V8 engine – all of it is astonishing! I was asked not to rev it too high, but it's just very hard to hold back! Although I tried not to exceed a certain limit too much, when the car starts to accelerate, it feels like it just sings! I had an incredible time!"
It's worth adding that the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Ford's historic triumph at Le Mans, when three such cars took the top three places in the 24-hour marathon, is one of the key events of the 2026 Festival of Speed. And yesterday, three GT40 Mk.II sports prototypes were brought to the Goodwood track by Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion, his son Michael, and his grandson Marco.
In 1966, Mario was 26 years old, and he made his debut in the "24 Hours of Le Mans," also behind the wheel of such a Ford, but he did not make it to the finish.
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Liam Lawson drives a historic Ford GT40 at Goodwood.
The Goodwood Speed Festival is an event that is unique in many ways. Where else can young drivers of modern Formula 1 get the chance to try out legendary cars on the move...