The Autosport Business Exchange in London returned for 2026, bringing together industry leaders for a morning of discussion focused on the theme of “The Power Shift”.
Held at Town Hall by Bottaccio in King’s Cross, the event was the curtain raiser on a monumental year of motorsport ahead, given the major new eras starting across several series.
The panel forums explored how new manufacturers, evolving regulations, shifting media dynamics, and increased investment are reshaping motorsport’s landscape – proudly supported by partners Bahrain International Circuit and Mobil 1.
Headlining Autosport Business Exchange London was Laurent Mekies, CEO & team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, to provide his expert insight and experiences on leadership, performance and the pressures of operating at the top level in Formula 1.
A series of panels followed to examine how the balance of power is shifting both on and off the track with commercial, industrial and societal angles to each.
Laurent Mekies, CEO & Team Principal, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Autosport Business Exchange London, A Motorsport Network Event
The changing media landscape was a central theme throughout, with Jim DeLorenzo, Apple’s Global Head of Sports, offering understanding into the intersection of sport, storytelling, and digital platforms, as Apple commences its five-year exclusive broadcast of F1 in the US.
The F1 focus continued as Graeme Lowdon joined the panellists to discuss forming the Cadillac team from the ground up ahead of the new era in 2026. The FIA’s single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis also featured to explain how the governing body has aided the shape of the new rules and worked with the commercial side of F1 to aid its growth.
Further inputs were provided from Alejandro Agag, Formula E founder and chairman, plus several more industry leaders and experts.
With the conclusion of the latest Autosport Business Exchange, the anticipation of the new motorsport season ramps up, with the official F1 pre-season tests at the Bahrain International Circuit on 11-13 February and 18-20 February set to provide fans with the first full look at the new F1 cars across the entire grid.
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