Former Formula One Engineer, Team Principal Techeetah Formula E, Super Aguri F1 Co-Founder & StreetDrone Founder

Mark Preston is a trailblazer in motorsport and technology, renowned for his leadership in both Formula One and Formula E. His career highlights include senior roles with Arrows Grand Prix, McLaren Racing, and the creation of the Super Aguri F1 team. As Team Principal of Techeetah Formula E, he guided the team to deliver the championship’s first-ever 1-2 finish. Beyond the racetrack, Mark founded StreetDrone, an autonomous vehicle start-up, and earned an MBA from Oxford University. Combining engineering excellence with entrepreneurial vision, he has become a respected figure in sustainable innovation, future mobility, and high-performance team leadership.

Credentials and Impact

Mark’s career began in Australia before he moved to the UK in 1996 to pursue his Formula One ambitions. At Arrows Grand Prix, he advanced from stress analysis engineer to senior roles over six years, developing the foundations of his engineering expertise. He then joined McLaren Racing as Principal Designer and later Head of Vehicle Laboratories, where he collaborated with leading figures such as Adrian Newey and Mike Coughlan.

In 2005, Preston co-founded Super Aguri F1, overseeing the extraordinary 100-day launch of the team, which involved recruiting more than 100 staff and delivering two cars and 55 tonnes of equipment to the grid in record time. This achievement cemented his reputation as a leader capable of executing high-pressure projects on a global stage.

Building on this experience, Mark turned his focus to sustainability and innovation. In 2014, he became a founding Team Principal of Techeetah Formula E, guiding the team to multiple successes, including the championship’s first-ever 1-2 finish.

In 2017, he founded StreetDrone, an autonomous vehicle start-up pioneering connected and driverless urban mobility. Alongside these executive roles, Mark serves on boards and advises start-ups, making him a recognised leader in motorsport, technology, and sustainable innovation.

Publications and Media

Mark has contributed to books, industry reports, and leading journals on innovation, Formula One, and the rise of electric mobility. His expertise has been featured in international media, including the BBC, Sky Sports, and motorsport documentaries, where he provides insight into racing and future transport. He is also a frequent guest writer and commentator for business and technology outlets, positioning him as a recognised voice on engineering and sustainable innovation.

Why Hire Mark Preston?

Mark is a sought-after speaker who blends high-level motorsport expertise with a deep understanding of innovation and sustainability. With a background spanning Formula One and the development of electric racing, he has worked at the cutting edge of engineering where technology, teamwork, and strategy intersect. His career demonstrates how to achieve success under pressure, optimise limited resources, and deliver results in competitive global industries.

As a speaker, Mark offers more than stories from the racetrack. He provides powerful lessons on leadership, collaboration, and adapting to disruptive change. His insights resonate with audiences ranging from corporate leaders to technology innovators, thanks to his ability to make complex ideas clear, engaging, and actionable. Whether addressing the future of transport, the importance of sustainable innovation, or the mindset required to build high-performance teams, Mark inspires audiences to think differently and embrace bold, forward-looking strategies.

To book Mark to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.