LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Every Formula One Fan dreams of getting on the grid – but imagine seeing it illuminated like a Christmas tree with all the glamour and glitz that goes with motorsport and, of course, Santa with a Ferrari.

When my family and I were invited to the Lap of Lights” at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, we experienced the iconic festive light trail and family attractions on the circuit in full dazzling glory.

Arriving at Silverstone was a magical experience. We were directed straight onto the track, tuned in to Elf FM and began singing Christmas songs, fully embracing the holiday spirit.

As Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas played, two cars- one adorned with antlers and another behind it. Later, we found out Stacey Solomon and her family attended Silverstone for the opening night. We were there with some of the country’s top journalists and media personnel, all taking the same lap.

Stacey Solomon said:  “We’ve had a really special evening! It’s such a cool experience being at Silverstone at Christmas time – the light trail on the circuit was magical and there’s loads for the kids to do.”

Suddenly, as we lined up in the starting position, Amelia’s message played on the radio, and we jumped up and down for joy. This is really what Christmas is all about.

My fiancé John is a huge Formula One fan, and it was like Christmas came early as the tyres of our Qashqai hugged the same asphalt as Lando Norris’ McLaren. We went through a tunnel of lights and past the iconic Escapade residences, which hug the corner of Maggotts and Becketts. We then turned past the stands, and it was a pinch-me moment for us all – as we cruised down the main straight with fire shooting into the air and laser beams into the sky, our daughter exclaimed, “Is this really happening?” I had to concur it was all somewhat surreal.

But that was not all, we had a hat-trick of treats in store- after our lap and glorious finish, we parked up in the Hilton Car park and headed towards the pits where an incredible ice skating experience awaited. We stepped into the garages where THE mechanics repair the engines during the F1 Grand Prix and saw it transformed into a winter wonderland. My daughter and I got our ice skates.

Then we stepped out onto the rink, Although I loved ice skating from a young age, my daughter has not been on the ice for a while so it took some time for her to find her feet but soon she was gliding across the ice with a new found confidence, it was a pleasure to see her grow and enjoy the freedom that comes with skating. It was our time, and we felt fortunate to enjoy these magical moments together and learn about each other. It was a truly enchanting evening,

We then headed out to the pit lane, where there were glorious food trucks with international food and drinks. Back inside, there were Formula One cars on display and a podium too – it was such an exhilarating atmosphere, but even with all this incredible, stimulating environment, the best was yet to come – Santa’s Lego Garage.

Our little LEGO fan was incredibly excited about this part! At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 announced a partnership with LEGO, and inside the garage, there was a fantastic LEGO display where visitors could create a special gift. As soon as we walked in, our attention was immediately captured by the Formula One car positioned like a sledge, and we had to take a photo in it. The kids -and even the big kids’ eyes opened wide with wonder as some of the most famous race cars in history were on display all around us.

We then went to make some reindeer dust – rocket fuel for Santa’s vehicle and settled down for a story time with Santa. It was a truly magical experience. But before we met the big man, Amelia had a go in a Formula 4 Kart – her little eyes widening as she sat in the same seat that many Formula One drivers start off in. Her cousin is also a semi-professional kart racer, so she may one day follow in the family’s footsteps. As she waited in line for Santa Claus, she could hardly contain her excitement.

She spent a while chatting to the big man, who then handed her a present. It was purely magical, and to her delight, it was a little LEGO dog – man’s best friend.

They thought of everything – there was also a present for the adults -the chance to sit inside a racing car.

My fiancé’s eyes lit up, and he started talking to the staff so excitedly that we spent even longer than we should have in there. With a big smile and a happy heart, we left the garage and thought it couldn’t get any better, but our daughter found another delightful thing – a singing bin – which she said was the highlight of the evening – at least she is down to earth and didn’t let it all go to her head.

We had time for one last beverage before hitting the main roads back home. We stood by the trackside and felt the adrenaline – the privilege of being at the home of the British Grand Prix in the 75th year.

We were standing on hallowed ground where celebrities and racing legends had stood, and I cannot fathom how incredible an experience this was for her – we really do love to live life in the fast lane.