Goodwood Festival Of Speed Cancelled As F1 Celebrations Put On Hold

The Goodwood Festival Of Speed has been cancelled on Saturday.

Former F1 champion Sebastian Vettel's appearance at the iconic Goodwood Festival Of Speed has been postponed due to severe weather warnings.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex has announced the cancellation of its Saturday events for the first time in its 30-year history, a decision triggered by severe weather forecasts. The festival issued a statement: 

“It is with deep regret that we have taken the decision that the Goodwood Festival of Speed will not go ahead tomorrow (Saturday 15 July 2023). After consulting meteorologists, health and safety experts and other key stakeholders, we have taken the decision to close the event site due to a severe wind warning in the Goodwood area.

“On-site safety is our highest priority and the forecasted high winds will pose a serious risk to various temporary structures across the site. We politely ask that you do not travel to Goodwood or attempt to access the site.

“This decision has not been made lightly and His Grace, The Duke of Richmond, along with the whole Festival of Speed team, are deeply saddened that we will not run the event on Saturday for the first time in its 30 year history.

“The event will resume as planned on Sunday.”The anticipated appearance of four-time F1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, driving iconic cars from his collection on eco-fuels, has now been postponed to Sunday."

The announcement also expressed regret from the entire festival team, including The Duke of Richmond. They reiterated their primary commitment to safety, given the risk that high winds could pose to temporary structures on site, and asked attendees not to travel or attempt to access the site.

Other scheduled appearances by McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as Williams' Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, and Mercedes' Mick Schumacher, will also be deferred to Sunday.

The forecast for Sunday currently looks much better so many fans are hoping to be able to continue with the hill climb action then.