Ross Brawn to Receive Autosport Gold Medal for Career Achievements in Formula 1
In a significant recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the world of Formula 1, celebrated team principal Ross Brawn is set to be honored with the esteemed Autosport Gold Medal during the 2026 Autosport Awards ceremony scheduled for January. This accolade pays tribute to individuals whose remarkable careers have significantly influenced the landscape of modern grand prix racing, and Brawn’s legacy is a testament to a lifetime dedicated to excellence in motorsport.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
The Autosport Gold Medal, which was first introduced in 2021, has been awarded to distinguished figures in motorsport history, including Jean Todt, Roger Penske, and Sir Jackie Stewart. This award recognizes the dedication, leadership, and innovative spirit of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of fans and competitors alike.
Ross Brawn’s involvement in Formula 1 spans an impressive four decades, during which he has been a pivotal figure in shaping the sport’s trajectory. His journey began as an engineer, where he played a crucial role in Michael Schumacher’s championship victories at Benetton. Brawn’s strategic acumen shone through when he transitioned to Ferrari, where he orchestrated a period of dominance in the early 2000s, crafting one of the most successful partnerships in the history of Formula 1.
In 2009, Brawn achieved a remarkable feat by leading his own team, Brawn GP, to victory in both the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in its inaugural and only season. Jenson Button’s championship run during that year is often hailed as one of the most extraordinary stories in Formula 1 history. Brawn’s expertise and vision have established him as a key architect of modern Formula 1, and he has also played a critical role in shaping the current regulatory framework and competitive landscape of the sport.
The Significance of the Autosport Gold Medal
The Autosport Gold Medal comes with a historical context that adds to its prestige. It incorporates the Gregor Grant Award, which honors the founder of Autosport and the values that continue to characterize the sport today. The 2025 Awards were particularly noteworthy as they celebrated Bernie Ecclestone with a special 75th Anniversary Trophy, highlighting the importance of legacy awards in recognizing the profound impact individuals have had on motorsport.
Werner Brell, the CEO of Motorsport Network, emphasized the importance of the Autosport Awards in celebrating the highest achievers in motorsport. He expressed excitement about honoring Brawn, stating, “Ross has been one of the iconic figures of Formula 1 in the last 40 years. Starting out as an engineer, he went on to lead the technical department at Benetton and won multiple world titles. His partnership with Michael Schumacher continued at Ferrari, where they dominated the sport in the 2000s. He then won the world championship with a team in his own name. I can’t think of a more worthy recipient for the Gold Medal. It should be a great night when he receives his medal honored by his peers.”
A Broader Celebration of Motorsport Excellence
The Autosport Awards not only honor individual legends but also recognize the broader ecosystem that drives motorsport forward. Categories such as "Brand Partnership of the Year" and "Promoter of the Year" highlight the essential roles these entities play in connecting teams and series with audiences while fostering meaningful engagement.
Brand Partnership of the Year
Brand partnerships are crucial in the modern landscape of motorsport, as they help teams and series build long-term brand equity and deliver value to fans. This year’s nominees reflect partnerships that have transcended mere visibility to create captivating narratives within the sport. The nominees include:
- Elemis (Aston Martin)
- Marriott Bonvoy (Mercedes)
- Santander (F1)
- Shell
- IBM (Ferrari)
- Ford (Red Bull Racing)
These partnerships demonstrate how brands can effectively engage with fans while enhancing the overall experience of motorsport.
Promoter of the Year
Promoters play a significant role in shaping the live motorsport experience, from global event races to heritage events steeped in history. The 2026 nominees for Promoter of the Year recognize events that have delivered strong attendance, commercial success, and ongoing investment in enhancing the fan experience. The nominees include:
- Miami Grand Prix
- Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Silverstone
- Singapore Grand Prix
- Las Vegas Grand Prix
According to the Motorsport Network x Formula 1 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, there is a growing interest among fans to attend live events, with 41% of surveyed fans who have not yet experienced an F1 event planning to do so in the future. This enthusiasm reflects the importance of promoters in creating and sustaining fan engagement.
Pioneering and Innovation
As motorsport undergoes rapid transformation, innovation is becoming increasingly important in shaping the way the sport is raced, regulated, and experienced. The nominees in the Pioneering and Innovation category highlight ideas and initiatives that are redefining the future of motorsport. This year’s nominees include:
- More than Equal
- A2RL
- Le Mans Ultimate
- Formula E Pit Boost
These initiatives signal a shift towards a more progressive and inclusive approach within the motorsport community, showcasing the potential for innovation to enhance the sport’s appeal and relevance.
Autosport Awards: A Celebration of Community and Excellence
The Autosport Awards are a hallmark event in the motorsport calendar, celebrating excellence across various categories and uniting champions and innovators from different racing disciplines, including Formula 1, MotoGP, Formula E, IndyCar, NASCAR, and the World Rally Championship. The awards are driven by fan engagement, with fans voting on major categories such as Driver of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Moment of the Year.
A new category, Creator of the Year, has been introduced to reflect the growing influence of creator-led storytelling and the impact of fan-driven voices in the sport. This evolution highlights the importance of community and engagement within motorsport, recognizing how fans are shaping the narrative around their favorite events and athletes.
Since 2024, the Autosport Awards have been held at the iconic Roundhouse in London, with the 38th edition set to take place on January 21, 2026. This historic venue adds to the allure of the event, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
Motorsport Network: Connecting the Community
Motorsport Network, the organization behind the Autosport Awards, is recognized as the largest independent motorsport and automotive media platform in the world. Reaching over 40 million unique users each month, the network engages more than 15 million followers across its social media channels. Its portfolio includes leading brands such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, InsideEVs, RideApart, Motor1, and GPOne, connecting fans, brands, and the broader motorsport community.
By partnering with companies globally on sponsorship, advertising, and event collaborations, Motorsport Network is shaping the future of the industry and enhancing the fan experience.
Autosport Business Exchange: A Platform for Industry Dialogue
Launched in 2025, the Autosport Business Exchange (ABX) serves as a premier platform for strategic dialogue and networking within the motorsport industry. Following successful editions in London, New York, and Monaco, ABX has brought together senior leaders from various sectors of racing, featuring prominent speakers such as Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and Apple’s Eddy Cue.
The U.S. debut of ABX in New York centered around the theme "The Rise of Racing in America," marking a significant milestone for the series. The next edition is scheduled to take place in London on January 21, 2026, just before the Autosport Awards, further emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dialogue in the motorsport community.
In summary, Ross Brawn’s receipt of the Autosport Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and lasting impact on Formula 1. As the motorsport community gathers to celebrate his achievements and those of other nominees, the Autosport Awards will continue to honor the legacy of innovation, leadership, and excellence that defines the world of racing.
