Under a typically British capricious sky, Sussex was once again the scene of a journey through time. From September 12 to 14, more than 150,000 spectators crowded the gates of the Goodwood Revival, an extraordinary event which combines motor racing and the celebration of a lifestyle Vintage. Between the roar of historic engines and the elegance of period costumes, the 2025 event offered a clever blend of sport, style, and emotion, reminding us that automotive passion goes far beyond the lap times.
The staging of a key era
Upon entering, visitors are transported to another dimension: that of 1950s and 1960s Britain. Families arrive in polka-dot dresses, tailored suits, cat-eye glasses, or three-piece suits, bowler hats perched on their heads. The parking lots are filled with carefully curated Austin-Healeys, Bentley S1s, and Ford Zodiacs, reinforcing the impression of a life-size movie set.
The paddock itself becomes a living museum: Jaguar Type C, Ferrari 250 GT SWB, Lotus Cortina, and Shelby Cobra rest in pits with vintage charm, before the eyes of dazzled enthusiasts. Mechanics in white coats, marshals dressed in period uniforms, and drivers wearing helmets like in 1960 complete the illusion.
But behind this retro splendor, the competition is very real. Because the Revival, despite its deliciously old-fashioned aesthetic, remains a high-level battle where the biggest names in the sport automobile confront each other without concession.
Button, the elegance of victory
The highlight of this edition was undoubtedly the first victory of Jenson Button at the Revival. The 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, currently competing in the WEC, shone in the Freddie March Memorial Trophy driving a 1952 Jaguar C-Type, shared with Alex Buncombe.
A success with a special flavor, achieved in front of his family who came to encourage him.
“The Revival is one of my favorite weekends of the year,” confided Button, visibly moved. “Winning this race in the legendary C-Type is a unique moment. And seeing my children racing together in the Settrington Cup made this weekend even more special.”
A sporting triumph combined with an intimate moment, which perfectly illustrates the Goodwood spirit: performance experienced and shared as a family.
Kristensen, consistency and panache
Another essential figure of the weekend, Tom Kristensen, record holder for victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (nine successes). The Dane once again made his mark on the Revival by winning the St. Mary's Trophy Part 1, confirming his unbreakable connection with the event. Fifteen years after his first appearance at Goodwood, his passion remains intact.
“St. Mary's is a high-level race, with incredibly talented drivers. Winning in 2010, 2015, and again in 2025 is a real privilege. But at the Revival, we come above all to celebrate the history of our sport and share these moments with our loved ones and the fans.”
The next day, Kristensen joined Button to compete in the prestigious Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, a real highlight of the show, offering spectators a breathtaking duel of champions.
Stewart, Living Memory and Tribute to Clark
The 2025 Revival was also marked by a sequence of pure emotion: the tribute paid to Jim Clark, who died in 1968. Sixty years earlier, in 1965, Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart achieved a feat that has gone down in history: an identical lap time at Goodwood, 1'20''4.
To celebrate this still unsurpassed record, the Duke and Duchess of Richmond presented Stewart with the Goodwood Ton Trophy, saluting his role in motorsport history and his unwavering friendship with Clark. A loyal supporter of the Revival, the three-time World Champion remains a timeless icon, a true bridge between generations.
Lifestyle, elegance and traditions
The Revival's charm extends far beyond the track. In the aisles, you'll find as many car enthusiasts as fashion and entertainment lovers.lifestyle. Improvised elegance contests are organized around the corner of an alley, vintage stands offer period hairstyles and makeup, while swing orchestras liven up the evenings to the rhythm of Glenn miller et Ella Fitzgerald.
Au Rolex Drivers' Club, a haven of peace reserved for pilots and their loved ones, camaraderie flourishes far from the noise of the engines. Here, champions of yesterday and today exchange anecdotes and memories, surrounded by their families.
And like every year, the Swiss watch brand has perpetuated a tradition that has become emblematic: the awarding of a watch engraved with Driver of the Meeting. In 2025, it is Chris Ward who received the brand new Rolex perpetual 1908, the perfect embodiment of timeless elegance and mechanical refinement, just like the Revival itself.
A legacy that stands the test of time
Since Sir Malcolm Campbell wore his Rolex during his speed records on Daytona Beach in the 1930s, the Swiss brand has an unbreakable connection with motorsport. From the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the Rolex 24 At Daytona, from the 12 Hours of Sebring to the WEC, to the most prestigious rallies like Pebble Beach or Monterey, Rolex embodies a vision where technical performance meets timeless elegance.
With its legendary ambassadors, Stewart, Kristensen, Button, Webber, and Jamie Chadwick, the Geneva-based brand emphasizes that motorsport is as much about heritage as it is about innovation. Since then, the brand has become the natural partner of the biggest events: the WEC, IMSA, the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
But the Swiss watchmaker doesn't just support modern competitions: it cultivates a deep attachment to events celebrating the beauty and history of the automobile, such as Pebble Beach, The Quail, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion... and of course the Goodwood Revival.
As the last engines fall silent and Sussex returns to its bucolic calm, one thing remains clear: the Goodwood Revival is much more than just an event. It is a total celebration, a marriage of elite sport and lifestyle Retro, a timeless bubble where speed, elegance, and emotion blend together. At Goodwood, we don't just look back. We perpetuate a legacy, we nourish a passion, and we remind ourselves that some legends, like the watches that accompany them, never age.
Patrick Koune
Photo credits: © Rolex
