The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) has named Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, as the recipient of its 2026 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Motorsport Industry, recognising his role in leading the Formula 1 team’s resurgence and supporting the wider UK motorsport sector.
Brown received the award from The Rt Hon the Lord Astor of Hever PC DL during the MIA’s annual Summer Reception at the House of Lords on 23 June, where around 200 motorsport business leaders and politicians gathered to celebrate achievements across the industry.
The MIA said Brown’s leadership had played a significant role in McLaren Racing’s return to the front of the Formula 1 grid, with the team securing consecutive world championship titles in 2024 and 2025.
Since joining McLaren Racing in 2017, Brown has overseen a transformation of the team’s culture, organisation and performance, investing in people, infrastructure and a high-performance mindset. Alongside its competitive success, he has also been a prominent voice on issues including Formula 1’s budget cap, sustainability, diversity and fan engagement.
Accepting the award, Brown dedicated the recognition to the wider McLaren Racing team.
“A huge thank you to the MIA for this honour – I will proudly take the award back to the McLaren Technology Centre to share it with the whole team,” he said.
“Formula 1 is the ultimate team sport and success isn’t possible without a strong team culture and great teamwork. We’ve been on an incredible quest back to the front of the Formula 1 grid, and I want to thank all the men and women at McLaren Racing who made it possible. I could not be prouder of what we have achieved together.”
Before moving into motorsport management, Brown spent a decade competing professionally before establishing himself in the commercial side of the sport. He has since become one of Formula 1’s most recognisable business leaders.
Chris Aylett, CEO of the MIA, said McLaren’s recent success had benefited not only the team but the wider UK motorsport industry.
“The very welcome success of McLaren in Formula One was of substantial value to the UK motorsport industry,” he said.
“The influence of Zak on this achievement was very apparent, with McLaren Racing becoming world champions of Formula 1 in 2024 and 2025. On behalf of the MIA and our members, we extend our congratulations to Zak who is a much-deserved winner of this award.”
The MIA’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Motorsport Industry recognises individuals who have made an exceptional impact on the sector. Previous recipients include Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Toto Wolff and Ross Brawn.
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