My Fantasy F1 Team: Mark Jenkins

We’re thrilled to have Mark Jenkins, Professor of Business Strategy at Cranfield School of Management, to share his fantasy team with us. Mark has also held positions at Nottingham University Business School, Massey Ferguson Ltd and the Lex Service Group, frequently appearing on television, radio, speaking and writing about developments in Formula 1 and Britain’s motorsport valley. Check f1professor.com!

Team owner

Richard Branson. I’ve always admired Richard for his leadership style and the way he brings new thinking into mature industries that need a shake-up. Formula 1 has been around for a long time and the business model certainly needs a few fresh ideas.

Team Principal

Ross Brawn. It is unusual these days to have a Team Principal who is able to deal with the organisational and technical aspects of a Formula 1 team. Colin Chapman was undoubtedly one example, but today Ross is the one person who is able to both lead the organisation and set out the processes to enable the technology to deliver. I know he and Branson have had their differences in the past but I’m hoping they can put them behind them!

The driver

Tom Pryce. As someone of Welsh parentage, I have to put Tom Pryce here. A great natural talent who, in my view, was a world champion in the making before he lost his life in a freak accident at Kyalami. I’d like to see him be the World Champion he could have been.

Today he is the one person who is able to both lead the organisation and set out the processes to enable the technology to deliver.

The car

Brabham BT44. At a time when Formula 1 cars actually looked different from one another, this was the most original and beautiful car in the sport. Even though it had the same Cosworth engine and Hewland gearbox as many of its competitors, it was stunning in its white livery.

The designer

John Barnard. Difficult choice this one. But I have to go for John – who else could get Enzo Ferrari to agree that Ferrari Formula 1 cars should be designed in Guildford?

Title sponsor

Virgin! Bringing together Richard Branson and Ross Brawn again, it has to be the Brawn/Virgin livery. A clean white car with the Virgin brand in full prominence.