F1’s godfather attended too

ONLY real Formula One fans can name all of these legends as they gathered together at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

It’s rare to see SEVEN F1 champions – who share 14 world titles between them – gather together at the same place.


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From left to right: Mika Hakkinen, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Sir Jackie Stewart, Bernie Ecclestone, Duke of Richmond Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, Mario Andretti, Jacques Villeneuve and Emerson FittipaldiCredit: PA
Petrolheads flocked to catch a glimpse of these titans of the tarmac, who graced Saturday’s event as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of F1.

It was a sight to behold as the champions gathered, sharing laughs and no doubt a few war stories from their glory days.

Sky Sports presenter Karun Chandhok shared the heartwarming photo capturing a perfect slice of F1 nostalgia.

So, who were the magnificent seven, who represented four decades of the sport?

F1 icon Alain Prost, known as ‘The Professor’ was the most decorated man the picture in West Sussex on Sunday.

Prost, now 70, won four world championships between 1985 and 1993 with McLaren, Ferrari and Williams.

The Frenchman was renowned for his smooth driving style and dominated one of F1’s most competitive eras in his legendary rivalry with the late Ayrton Senna.

Meanwhile, oldest living world champion Sir Jackie Stewart was spotted wearing his iconic racing tartan in the middle of the line-up.

The Brit, 86, won his three world titles in 1969, 1971 and 1973 for Ken Tyrell’s F1 team, first in the guise of Matra.

He then passed the torch to Emerson Fittipaldi, who was also there at Goodwood House.

The Brazilian won his first title with Lotus in just his second full season in 1972, and his second in 1974 with the McLaren M23.

Nigel Mansell, 71, who won the 1992 title with Williams, was spotted standing next to Prost while wearing racing suit.

The group took turns speaking to hundreds from the champions balcony.

While other former champions included Mika Hakkinen, Jacques Villeneuve and Mario Andretti.

Hakkinen won two world titles in his battle against Michael Schumacher, while Villeneuve and Andretti have both lifted one title.

F1 godfather, Bernie Ecclestone, was also included in the snap – and was the richest man in the picture with a net worth of £2.4billion.

The British business magnate, 94, founded the Formula One Group in 1987, controlling the commercial rights until 2017.

The Duke of Richmond Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, who owns the Goodwood Estate, was also pictured standing next to Ecclestone.

Meanwhile, current Haas team-mates Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman both went along this weekend, days after learning of Red Bull boss Christian Horner’s sacking.

As did Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson, as this season enters a three week break before the Belgian Grand Prix on July 27.