From Track to Boardroom: How Mark Blundell Turns Motorsport Lessons into Business Wins
Mark Blundell’s resume reads like a motorsport highlight reel—Formula 1, Le Mans, IndyCar. But his most strategic drive began after hanging up his helmet. Today, the former racing ace is steering MB Partners (MBP), a sports management and commercial agency that fuses the speed and strategy of motorsport with the pragmatism of business.
Speaking to Motorsport to Business, Blundell reveals how the lessons learned in pit lanes and paddocks have powered a decade of business success—and why the same mindset that wins championships can win clients, too.
From Track to Boardroom: How Mark Blundell Turns Motorsport Lessons into Business Wins
Mark Blundell’s resume reads like a motorsport highlight reel—Formula 1, Le Mans, IndyCar. But his most strategic drive began after hanging up his helmet. Today, the former racing ace is steering MB Partners (MBP), a sports management and commercial agency that fuses the speed and strategy of motorsport with the pragmatism of business.
Speaking to Motorsport to Business, Mark reveals how the lessons learned in pit lanes and paddocks have powered a decade of business success—and why the same mindset that wins championships can win clients, too.
Laying the Groundwork: Business Before the Podiums
While many professional athletes plan for life after sport once their peak has passed, Blundell was always hedging his bets.
“As a youngster, I didn’t just fall into being a racing driver,” he says. “I sold mobile phones. I laboured on building sites. That gave me perspective. My dad always said, ‘If you don’t put something in, you won’t get anything out.’”
Even during his peak years on the track, Blundell kept a commercial eye open. “The sport is fickle. One accident and you’re done. I always had something running in the background. Motorsport might have been the dream, but business was the insurance policy.”
The Birth of MB Partners
What started as a joint venture with fellow driver Martin Brundle—originally called 2MB—has evolved into a multifaceted agency focused on talent management and brand partnerships. The concept was simple: leverage racing experience to help guide the next generation of talent both on and off the track.
“We were on the board of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, watching young drivers struggle to get financial and career support,” Blundell says. “We thought, why not build something that provides real structure?”
The result is MB Partners, which now supports a range of professional drivers and operates one of the most innovative partner programs in the industry.
Good Business with Good People: Mark hosts his annual MBP partner event (photo: MBP)
Good Business with Good People
At the heart of MBP is a philosophy that guides every deal and decision: *good business with good people*.
“For me, it’s all about values and taking the long-term view,” Blundell says. “I don’t meet someone thinking, ‘How do we close a deal today?’ I want to understand them—how they think, what drives them. That’s how real partnerships form.”
This human-first approach has paid dividends. MBP boasts a 95% client retention rate, with some brand relationships stretching over a decade.
Racing as a Business Platform
MB Motorsport, the racing arm of the business, began with Blundell’s short-lived return to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2019. “Honestly? Probably the worst season of my career,” he admits. But the real value wasn’t in the results—it was in the commercial opportunity.
“When you’ve got Intel and HP saying, ‘We want to back you,’ it’s hard to walk away,” he says. “Even though the racing side didn’t work out, it seeded a commercial platform we’re still building today.”
MB Motorsport now functions as both a competitive race team and a business catalyst, creating tangible ROI for partners through activations, cross-brand collaboration, and CSR-led educational initiatives.
Applying Motorsport Principles in Business
Blundell’s motorsport mentors read like a who’s who of racing royalty. From Frank Williams to Ron Dennis and Jean Todt, each left a mark.
“Frank Williams taught me the value of clarity. Be direct. Respect each other. Get the job done,” he says. “Ron Dennis? He drilled into me that details matter. Small touches have lasting impact.”
Today, those principles guide MBP’s culture, especially when it comes to delivery.
“In racing, you’re only as good as your last lap,” Blundell says. “In business, it’s your last project, your last campaign. If we don’t deliver, then we’ve failed.”
Small Team, Big Impact
MBP’s team is lean—most under 31—but packs a punch. “It’s a young, dynamic crew,” says Blundell. “We give them ownership. I’m not afraid of mistakes, as long as they learn from them.”
The clearest example is Managing Director Alex Watts, who joined as an intern and now sits on MBP’s board. “Watching someone grow like that, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of this whole journey.”
Some alumni have even moved into Formula 1, which Blundell sees as a badge of honor, not a loss. “If we were a stepping stone for their success, that’s something to be proud of.”
Driver Management: It’s All in the Mind
When it comes to scouting racing talent, Blundell doesn’t just look at speed.
“Lap time matters—it’s the starting point. But what separates the good from the great is mental strength,” he says. “Everyone in Formula 1 can drive. The top 1%? They can absorb pressure and still perform.”
He likens it to elite tennis: “They can all hit a 130 mph serve. The difference is who can do it when it’s match point for \$6 million.”
For MBP, that mindset applies to hiring too. “I look for that glint in the eye. A bit of respectful arrogance. Someone who says, ‘I’m here to win.’ That’s what makes leaders in sport and in business.”
Modern Sponsorships: Beyond Logos
The sponsorship landscape has changed dramatically from Blundell’s early days, when cigarette brands shelled out millions for decals and TV spots.
“Today it’s about engagement, storytelling, data. We have to justify every pound with measurable ROI,” he says. “Sometimes that means going to CSR teams, not just marketing, and building education or community programs that align with brand goals.”
It’s a holistic, strategic model. And it works. “We’re not selling stickers—we’re creating business ecosystems.”
The Road Ahead
A decade in, MBP is poised to expand, especially in Formula 1 activation and elite driver management.
“We’re one of the top three or four driver management agencies in Europe,” Blundell says. “Our goal is to be number one.”
It’s a bold claim, but one grounded in long-term relationships and racing insight. “We’re not a global agency—yet. But we’ve got depth, network, and a unique understanding of the sport.”
With Jake Hill winning the BTCC title and partnerships continuing to grow, the MB Motorsport and MBP story is far from finished.
The Final Word: Deliver or Don’t Bother
If there’s one message Blundell wants every business leader to take from motorsport, it’s this: performance is everything.
“We’re only as good as our delivery,” he says. “That’s how we built our reputation, and that’s how we’ll keep it.”
From track to boardroom, Mark Blundell’s approach is clear: stay sharp, stay grounded, and always be ready for the next lap.
If you would like Mark to join you for your next conference of training day, head over to MotorsportSpeakers.com
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