History of the Aintree Grand Prix Circuit

Aintree’s Grand Prix Legacy

Aintree is famously known as the venue of the world-renowned Grand National—but its motorsport heritage is equally iconic. The 3-mile circuit, opened in 1954 by Earl Howe and Raymond Mays, remains Britain’s only purpose-built Grand Prix track and still exists in its entirety.

Key Grand Prix Moments

• 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1962 – Aintree hosted the British Grand Prix
• 🏁 1955: Stirling Moss achieved his first World Championship Grand Prix victory
• 🇬🇧 First British driver to win his home Grand Prix
• 🔩 Historic Mercedes 1–2–3–4 finish in the same race

First All-British Victory

In 1957, Moss and Tony Brooks shared a Vanwall for the first-ever British driver and British car victory at a British Grand Prix. This race was also honored with the title “Grand Prix d’Europe.”

Aintree “200” Events

Aintree staged eleven additional non-Championship Formula One races, famously known as the Aintree “200.” These events remain a celebrated part of British racing history.

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