What an incredible year we’ve had once again.
There’s been a lot of change for us. In May we said goodbye to our team founder, Dave Player as he moved on to new challenges. What a legacy he created and what a high bar he set for over-delivering year on year.
That meant a change in role for me, taking on the leadership position alongside my work with our sponsors.
We also headed back to UK racing after some time both at home and in Europe last year, and we welcomed two new drivers to our team.
The year has absolutely flown by, with very little time to stop and take stock, but it’s so vitally important that we do this.
Many of us will have watched with awe as the McLaren F1 team celebrated winning the Constructors’ Championship earlier this month. Yet another incredible feat for a globally supreme team. It made me think about the importance of perspective when considering success. We work with an annual budget that I would estimate is around 0.2% of the McLaren F1 team. Peanuts in comparison.
But look what we’ve achieved.
7 drivers with disabilities have once again experienced a season of racing – something that so few people in the world will ever have the chance to do, let along those who are often disregarded in sport because of the challenges they face.
We’ve flown out to Portugal for winter testing at an iconic and much-revered track, welcoming sponsors who have taken the time out of their busy schedules to come and get a unique, behind the scenes experience of the team they’re passionate about.
We’ve created new technology as an enabler once again – developing a system for a Deaf driver to use to ensure their safety and ability to communicate.
We’ve started a sustainability journey because we know it’s the right thing to do.
We’ve welcomed young people to our HQ to show them what’s possible with the right belief, determination and support.
We’ve watched with pride as a Team BRIT driver is named ‘rookie of the year’ in a credible championship.
We’ve taken podium after podium.
We may not have the budget of the McLaren team, but this is success worthy of equal admiration in my eyes.
It’s never easy. We’re fighting for new sponsors constantly as our costs increase and our plans get more ambitious, but we’re full to the brim with belief that we can do it.
Another year over, another step towards Le Mans and another 12 months of re-writing the rules.
We can’t wait to get going next year. We have new plans in development, drivers chomping at the bit to sign for their seats once again and a whole host of sponsors renewing their support.
Thank you to every driver, team member, sponsor and fan that has been with us throughout once again. Your support means everything to us.
On behalf of us all – we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Here’s to 2025.
Mike
