Ross Brawn Set to Receive the Autosport Gold Medal for His Contributions to Formula 1

London, UK – December 17, 2025 – Renowned as a multi-championship-winning team principal, Ross Brawn is poised to be honored with the esteemed Autosport Gold Medal at the forthcoming Autosport Awards in January 2026. This accolade acknowledges his lifetime achievements that have profoundly influenced both the competitive landscape and cultural essence of contemporary grand prix racing.

A Legacy in Motorsport

The Autosport Gold Medal, which was introduced in 2021, is awarded to individuals whose contributions to motorsport have left a lasting impact. Previous recipients include legendary figures such as Jean Todt, Roger Penske, and Sir Jackie Stewart. These awards celebrate exceptional service, visionary leadership, and groundbreaking innovation within the sport, ensuring that the legacies of these individuals resonate for future generations of fans and competitors.

Ross Brawn’s career in Formula 1 spans an impressive four decades. His engineering prowess was instrumental in Michael Schumacher’s championship victories during his tenure at Benetton. Brawn continued to build on this success at Ferrari, where he masterminded the team’s dominant performance in the early 2000s, creating one of the most successful partnerships in the history of the sport.

In a remarkable turn of events in 2009, Brawn GP, the team he founded, took the world by storm by clinching both the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in its inaugural season. Jenson Button’s championship run that year is celebrated as one of the most extraordinary narratives in the annals of motorsport. Brawn’s influence extends beyond team success; he played a pivotal role in shaping the current regulatory framework and competitive direction of Formula 1.

Honoring a Visionary

The Autosport Gold Medal also incorporates the prestigious Gregor Grant Award, which pays tribute to the founder of Autosport and embodies the core values that continue to define the sport today. In a memorable highlight from 2025, Bernie Ecclestone received a special 75th Anniversary Trophy during the Awards, emphasizing the significance of legacy within motorsport.

Werner Brell, CEO of Motorsport Network, expressed his excitement about honoring Ross Brawn, stating, “The Autosport Awards celebrate the highest achievers in motorsport. After recognizing so many legends over the years, we’re thrilled to honor Ross Brawn in January. He has been a prominent figure in Formula 1 for the last four decades. Starting as an engineer, he progressed to lead the technical department at Benetton and won numerous world titles. His collaboration with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari set the standard for dominance in the sport during the 2000s. Additionally, he won a world championship with his own team. I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient for the Gold Medal. It promises to be a memorable evening as he receives this honor in the company of his peers.”

Recognizing Excellence in Motorsport

In addition to honoring icons like Brawn, the Autosport Awards also spotlight the broader ecosystem that propels motorsport forward. This includes recognizing advancements in innovation, commercial leadership, promotion, and fan engagement.

Brand Partnership of the Year

Brand partnerships play a crucial role in how motorsport teams and series engage with their audiences, deliver value, and establish long-term brand equity. The nominees for this year reflect partnerships that have transcended mere visibility to foster meaningful engagement and storytelling within the sport.

Nominees:

• Elemis (Aston Martin)
• Marriott Bonvoy (Mercedes)
• Santander (Formula 1)
• Shell
• IBM (Ferrari)
• Ford (Red Bull Racing)

Promoter of the Year

As the landscape of motorsport evolves, the role of promoters has become increasingly vital in shaping the live racing experience. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey conducted by Motorsport Network and Formula 1, the desire to attend in-person events is growing, with 41% of surveyed fans who haven’t participated in an F1 fan experience expressing plans to do so in the future.

The nominees for Promoter of the Year celebrate those events that have not only achieved strong attendance and commercial success but have also made significant investments in enhancing the fan experience.

Nominees:

• Miami Grand Prix
• Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Silverstone
• Singapore Grand Prix
• Las Vegas Grand Prix

Pioneering Innovation

As motorsport enters a transformative phase, innovation is playing a key role in how the sport is raced, regulated, and experienced. The nominees for this category highlight initiatives and ideas that are actively reshaping the future of motorsport.

Nominees:

• More than Equal
• A2RL
• Le Mans Ultimate
• Formula E Pit Boost

The Autosport Awards: A Celebration of Excellence

The Autosport Awards is a prestigious annual event that celebrates excellence in motorsport. It brings together champions and innovators from various disciplines, including Formula 1, MotoGP, Formula E, IndyCar, NASCAR, and the World Rally Championship.

At the heart of the Autosport Awards are the fans, who participate in voting across eight major categories ranging from Driver of the Year to Rookie of the Year and Moment of the Year. This year introduces a new category—Creator of the Year—reflecting the rise of creator-led storytelling and the growing influence of fan-driven voices in the sport.

Since 2024, the Autosport Awards have taken place at the iconic Roundhouse in London, with the 38th edition slated for January 21, 2026.

Motorsport Network: A Leader in the Industry

Motorsport Network stands as the world’s largest independent platform for motorsport and automotive media, reaching over 40 million unique users each month and engaging more than 15 million followers across its social media channels. The organization encompasses leading global brands such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, InsideEVs, RideApart, Motor1, and GPOne.

Motorsport Network connects fans, brands, and the wider motorsport community, collaborating with companies around the globe on sponsorship, advertising, and event partnerships that help shape the industry’s future.

Autosport Business Exchange: Fostering Dialogue and Networking

Launched in 2025, the Autosport Business Exchange (ABX) serves as a premier global platform for strategic dialogue and networking in the motorsport sector. After successful events in London, New York, and Monaco, ABX has attracted senior leaders from the racing world, featuring keynote speakers like Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and Apple’s Eddy Cue.

The U.S. debut of ABX in New York focused on “The Rise of Racing in America,” marking a significant milestone for the series. The next edition will be held in London on the morning of January 21, 2026, just ahead of the Autosport Awards.

In conclusion, Ross Brawn’s recognition at the Autosport Awards underscores not only his personal achievements but also highlights the evolving landscape of motorsport as a whole. From brand partnerships that enhance engagement with fans to innovative approaches that redefine the sport, the 2026 Autosport Awards promise to be a celebration of excellence and a testament to the enduring legacy of figures like Brawn in the world of Formula 1 racing.