London, United Kingdom – December 17, 2025 – Ross Brawn, boss of the multi-championship Formula 1 team, will receive the prestigious Autosport gold medal in 2026. Motorsport Awards in January, recognizing the body of achievements that have shaped the competitive and cultural fabric of modern Grand Prix racing.
The award, introduced in 2021 and previously awarded to Jean Todt, Roger Penske and Sir Jackie Stewart, celebrates individuals whose service, leadership and innovation leave a lasting legacy for generations of fans and competitors.
Advertisement
Brawn’s influence on Formula 1 spans more than four decades. He engineered Michael Schumacher’s championship success at Benetton and went on to be the mastermind of Ferrari’s dominant era in the early 2000s, forging one of the most successful partnerships the sport has ever seen.
In 2009, his own team, Brawn GP, stunned the world by winning the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in its single season, with Jenson Button’s title run becoming one of the most remarkable stories in the sport’s history. Widely regarded as one of the true architects of modern Formula 1, Brawn went on to play an instrumental role in shaping the sport’s current regulatory landscape and competitive future.
The Autosport Gold Medal includes the Gregor Grant Award, honoring the founder of Autosport and the values that continue to define the sport today. In 2025, the Awards marked a landmark moment by recognizing Bernie Ecclestone with a special 75th anniversary trophy, highlighting legacy awards among motorsport’s most important honors.
Advertisement
Werner Brell, CEO of Motorsport Networkadded: “THE Motorsport Awards aim to celebrate the highest achievers in motorsport. After recognizing so many legends over the years, we are thrilled to be able to honor Ross Brawn this January. Ross has been one of the iconic figures of Formula 1 over the past 40 years. Initially an engineer, he then headed the technical department of Benetton and won several world titles. His partnership with Michael Schumacher continued at Ferrari, where they dominated the sport in the 2000s. He went on to win the world championship with a team bearing his own name. I can’t think of a more worthy recipient for the gold medal. It should be a great evening when he receives his medal honored by his peers.
RACING NOMINEES’ AFFAIRS REVEALED
In addition to honoring sports icons, Motorsport Awards also recognize the wider ecosystem that drives motorsport forward – through innovation, commercial leadership, promotion and fan engagement.
Advertisement
Brand Partnership of the Year
Brand partnerships continue to play a central role in how motorsport teams and series connect with audiences, generate value and build long-term brand equity. This year’s nominees reflect partnerships that have gone beyond visibility to drive meaningful engagement and storytelling through sport.
Nominees: Elemis (Aston Martin), Marriott Bonvoy (Mercedes), Santander (F1), Shell, IBM (Ferrari), Ford (Red Bull Racing)
Promoter of the year
From global destination races to heritage events with decades of history, promoters are increasingly responsible for shaping the live motorsport experience. According to the Motorsport Network x Formula 1 Global Fan Survey 2025: Intention to attend in-person events is increasing: 41% of fans surveyed who have not attended an F1 fan experience plan to do so in the future.
Advertisement
The 2026 nominees recognize events that have generated strong attendance, commercial success and continued investment in the fan experience.
Nominees: Miami Grand Prix, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Silverstone, Singapore Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix
Pioneering and innovative
As motorsport enters a period of rapid change, innovation is increasingly shaping the way the sport is raced, regulated and experienced. This year’s nominees reflect the ideas and initiatives that are actively redefining the next chapter of motorsport.
Advertisement
Nominees: More Than Equal, A2RL, Le Mans Ultimate, Formula E Pit Boost
Ends
About Motorsport Awards
A Motorsport Network event, the prestigious Motorsport Awards are an annual celebration of excellence in motorsport, bringing together champions and innovators from every sport, from Formula 1 to MotoGP, Formula E, IndyCar, NASCAR, the World Rally Championship and much more. At the heart of Motorsport Awards are the fans, who vote in eight main categories, from Driver of the Year to Rookie of the Year and Moment of the Year. This year, a new category, Creator of the Year, reflects the rise of creator-led storytelling and the growing influence of fan voices in sports. Since 2024, the Motorsport Awards were held at the iconic Roundhouse in London, with the 38th edition taking place on January 21, 2026.
Advertisement
About Motorsport Network
Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent motorsport and motorsport media platform, reaching more than 40 million unique users each month and engaging more than 15 million followers across its social channels. Its portfolio includes leading global brands such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, Inside electric vehiclesRideApart, Engine1and GPOne. Motorsport Network connects fans, brands and the wider motorsport community, partnering with companies around the world on sponsorship, advertising and event collaborations that shape the future of the industry.
LinkedIn – Motorsport Network And Motorsport company Instagram- Motorsport.com And Motorsport X- Motorsport.com And Motorsport Facebook – Motorsport.com
Advertisement
About Autosport Business Exchange
Launched in 2025, Autosport Business Exchange (ABX) is a global event series that provides the premier platform for strategic dialogue and networking in the motorsport industry. Following successful editions in London, New York and Monaco, ABX brought together top executives from the world of motor racing, with high-profile speakers including Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and Apple’s Eddy Cue. ABX’s American debut in New York centered around the theme of The Rise of Racing in America, marking a major milestone for the series. The next edition will take place in London on January 21, 2026 in the morning, before the Motorsport Awards.
Read also:
Autosport Awards fan vote extended: select your driver of the year and more until January 5
To read more articles on Motorsport.com visit our website.
