Industry experts come together for inaugural Autosport Business Exchange: London

Wednesday morning marked a momentous occasion for Autosport as its first-ever Business Exchange took place in Mayfair.

The Autosport Business Exchange: London brought together panels of industry-leading experts to discuss some of the major topics within motorsport today.

While presenting an opportunity for the invited guests to network, ABX also delivered on stage as the morning kicked off with a welcome from Motorsport Network CEO, Werner Brell – who summed up the occasion perfectly.

“With our unique convening power in the industry, we aspire to make ABX the premier platform for business conversation around racing,” he said.

“As Autosport enters its 75th year, we’re seizing on a pivotal moment to create a dynamic forum for industry professionals.”

Panels were then held on ‘Fan Power’, ‘Women and the Future of Motorsports’ and ‘Unleashing AI-Human Potential in Motorsport’ as the likes of Formula 1 director of marketing Donna Birkett Baida, F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff and former F1 director of data systems and ex-Ferrari and Williams engineer Rob Smedley were among those to participate.

There were also discussions with Bahrain International Circuit about its plans for the next 20 years, while a special presentation and conversation was held to highlight the progress of Qiddiya Speed Park.

Abdulaziz Alaqel, executive director of motorsport asset development for Qiddiya, revealed the new state-of-the-art facility will not have any traditional spectator grandstands.

Andrew Mallery, executive director of motorsport strategy for Qiddiya, then laid out the ambitions of the circuit to “put Saudi Arabia on the map as a global motorsport hub.”

The morning ended in style as Autosport editor-in-chief Rebecca Clancy was joined in conversation by McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, London Business Exchange

Photo by: Getty Images

They discussed McLaren’s constructors title success in 2024 and how Brown has overseen a remarkable return to the top for the squad, while he also spoke about the need to rethink stewarding in F1.

Brown then took questions from the floor to close out the event, which ushered in a new era for Autosport Business and the industry as a whole.