Fantastic photos from sizzling start to the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The spectacular four-day event began today as large crowds flocked to day one of the 2026 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard.

See pictures from the opening day by Trevor Staff on this page and those linked, or all on the single page if you’re on the Observer app. We’ll have new galleries over the remaining days of FoS.

Goodwood described the scene on its website: “As the paddocks stir to life and the Singer Central Feature stands proud on the lawn, a familiar sense of anticipation builds across the grounds for the remarkable days of motorsport ahead.

"This year’s event opens with a major tribute to two-wheel racing as Ducati marks its milestone 100th anniversary. The Italian manufacturer is celebrating a century of speed by bringing its most successful machinery and an iconic roster of riders to the estate. Four-time World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty will return to the Hill, joining fellow racing legends Casey Stoner, Troy Bayliss, and Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for the first of the weekend's Balcony Moments.

"Thursday also introduces a brand-new hub for Grand Prix enthusiasts with the debut of the FOS Fan Zone presented by Pirelli. This dedicated space is designed to bring fans closer to the pinnacle of open-wheel racing than ever before. Throughout the day, past and present Formula 1 stars will step away from the pit lane to share insights, interact with the crowd, and take part in live, unscripted Q&A sessions right from the stage.

"Beyond the interviews, the opening day serves as the global launching pad for the world's most anticipated machinery. The First Glance Paddock opens today, offering an intimate look at automotive engineering before these vehicles make their official dynamic debuts. The field is as diverse as it is extreme, pairing next-generation electric vehicles alongside raw, high-performance V8 engines.

"The action extends well beyond the asphalt of the Hill. Today also marks the opening of FOS Future Lab presented by Randox, where visitors can discover the latest ground-breaking technological innovations. For those seeking adrenaline, the GAS Arena is already hosting heart-jolting aerial stunts, while the Forest Rally Stage presented by Subaru offers an immersive escape into the trees to witness classic gravel-spraying action.”