My Fantasy F1 Team: Mike Martin

Mike Martin is the MD and founder of Paragon, a hospitality and events agency that specialises in Sports Hospitality, Talent Management, and Event Management. Paragon’s flagship event is their hospitality facility at the Monaco Grand Prix, where they have been entertaining guests for 17 years. This time, Mike shares his fantasy Formula 1 set with us.

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Team owner: Flavio Briatore

For all of Briatore’s flaws, he really is quite a character. Which owner is sentenced to prison for rigging gambling machines yet goes on to uncover talents like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso? It was a shame how his Formula 1 career ended, but what a life Briatore has led!

Team Principal: Sir Frank Williams

While the likes of Ferrari and McLaren have been racing for longer, no man has run a Formula 1 team for more time than Mr Williams. Ken Tyrell once said that “there’s no one in this paddock who wants to succeed more than Frank does, and if he ever gets himself financially organised, watch out…” Tyrell’s predictions came true when Williams Racing Cars became Williams GP Engineering in 1977. Over the next 20 years, Williams won nine of the Constructors Championships, making Sir Frank one of the most successful Team Principals in history.

The drivers: Senna & Prost

Senna and Prost teaming up at McLaren was obviously the most interesting, watchable, and enjoyable driver pairings I can remember – it might never be recreated again. A modern-day example would probably be Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo teaming up at the same club in football, but even that wouldn’t be the same!

The car: Brawn BGP 001

The Brawn GP story is my favourite Formula 1 fairy tale. They didn’t test the car until three weeks before the first race of the year, but Jenson Button still went on to win six of the first seven GPs in Ross Brawn’s masterpiece! His early-season form went on to be the foundations for Jenson’s Championship win that year.

Which owner is sentenced to prison for rigging gambling machines yet goes on to uncover talents like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso?

The designer: Colin Chapman

While I never had the pleasure of watching one of Colin Chapman’s cars race, he went down in the books as one of the guys who revolutionised the sport. He also came out with one of my favourite Formula 1 quotes, saying that “a racing car has only one objective: to win motor races. If it does not do this, it is nothing but a waste of time, money and effort.”

Title sponsor/the livery: Williams 1993

This masterpiece was the last of an old breed of Formula 1 cars. The simple-looking aero, low cockpit, and dropped nose was not only brilliant to look at, but also brilliant to watch as they picked up both the Drivers and Constructors Championships that year. This was all topped off with the Sega, Canon Cameras, and Camel Cigarettes livery!

About Paragon

Paragon are an award-winning agency that specialises in sports and corporate hospitality as well as Talent Management and Event Management. Founded in 2001 by sports agent Mike Martin and ex-cricketer and TV personality Phil Tufnell, Paragon have continued to establish themselves with top businesses, providing the perfect event and hospitality solutions.         

In winter 2019, Paragon will take over 17 years’ worth of experience in Formula 1 Hospitality to the Middle East for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix! Details are yet to be announced but they can already confirm that it will feature dazzling hospitality suites, stunning superyachts, and the best hotels the Middle East has to offer. Click here to register your interest and be the first to know.