Former Formula One Technical Director at Ferrari & Benetton, Brawn GP Founder, Mercedes Team Principal, F1 Managing Director of Motorsports

Ross Brawn OBE is one of Formula One’s most celebrated leaders, renowned for his technical mastery and strategic genius. As Technical Director at Benetton and Ferrari, he was pivotal in Michael Schumacher’s championship triumphs and Ferrari’s record-breaking six consecutive Constructors’ titles. In 2009, he stunned the sport by guiding his own team, Brawn GP, to both Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in its debut season. Later, as Team Principal of Mercedes, he laid the foundations for future dominance. Today, as Formula One’s former Managing Director of Motorsports, Brawn remains a visionary figure shaping the sport’s past, present, and future.

Credentials and Impact

Ross’s credentials were built step by step through one of Formula One’s most remarkable careers. He began in engineering in March 1976 before moving to Williams and Haas Lola. In 1991, he became Technical Director at Benetton, where he helped secure back-to-back Drivers’ Championships. In 1996, he joined Ferrari, playing a central role in rebuilding the team and delivering six consecutive Constructors’ titles between 1999 and 2004. In recognition of his services to motorsport during this dominant Ferrari era, Brawn was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006.

After a short sabbatical, he became Team Principal at Honda in 2008. When Honda withdrew from Formula One, Brawn led the management buyout that created Brawn GP in 2009. In its debut season, the team achieved a historic triumph by winning both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. This achievement cemented Brawn GP’s place as one of the most remarkable success stories in sporting history.

Following the team’s sale to Mercedes, Brawn remained as Team Principal until 2013, laying the groundwork for Mercedes’ future dominance. In 2017, he returned as Formula One’s Managing Director of Motorsports, driving regulatory reform, cost controls, and innovations that continue to shape the sport today.

Publications and Media

Ross has shared his expertise through books, articles, and high-profile media appearances. His bestselling autobiography, ‘Total Competition: Lessons in Strategy from Formula One’, co-authored with Adam Parr, offers unique insights into leadership, innovation, and decision-making under pressure. Brawn has contributed to leading motorsport and business publications, frequently appearing in interviews and analysis features. In 2023, he fronted the acclaimed Disney+ docuseries Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story, reaching global audiences.

Why Hire Ross Brawn?

Booking Ross brings audiences face-to-face with one of the most successful leaders Formula One has ever produced. With experience as an engineer, strategist, team principal, and senior executive, he offers a rare perspective on how to build high-performance teams and sustain success at the very top level. His talks combine fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from Ferrari, Brawn GP, and Mercedes with broader lessons on leadership, adaptability, and innovation.

Ross is an engaging and articulate speaker who makes complex technical and strategic ideas relevant for any audience. His insights into decision-making under pressure, cultural transformation, and long-term planning resonate far beyond motorsport, inspiring business leaders, innovators, and teams alike.

With unmatched credentials and a reputation for strategic brilliance, Ross delivers talks that are as insightful as they are inspiring, making him an ideal choice for conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits.

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