Why are formula 1 teams based in northamptonshire UK?

The first F1 world championship race was held at Silverstone Northamptonshire, United Kingdom in 1950.

Consequently a large degree of engineering expertise has accumulated in this area due to it's proximity to a prime test track.

Most of the teams are based in this area because they either started out there or they bought existing teams and took over their premises.

Mercedes is the old Tyrell team.

Renault is the old Toleman team

Force India is the old Jordan team

Red Bull is the old Stewart team.

McLaren, Lotus, Virgin, & Williams are also all based in the UK.

The only teams based outside the UK are:-

Ferrari - Italy

Toro Rosso (ex Minardi team) - Italy

HRT - Spain

& Sauber - Switzerland.