Client Award Hat Trick for Wilkes Motorsport Team

Motorsport specialists at The Wilkes Partnership have reason to celebrate, as another of their clients – a young racing driver – has been given one of the motor racing industry’s most prestigious awards, making him the third Wilkes client to win in 15 years.

16 year-old George Russell was the youngest ever recipient of the McLaren Autosport BDRC Award, presented annually to British motorsport’s most promising young driver. Previous winners include the now professional drivers Jenson Button and Jamie Green, both of whom were under the firm’s wing when they were selected.

Lawyers at The Wilkes Partnership currently work with Russell to advise him on racing contracts and helped set up the structure of Russell’s company, which manages his image rights and sponsorship activity.

John Soden, consultant at The Wilkes Partnership and motorsport team lead, said: “This award is probably the most prestigious award that an aspiring British driver can win. The majority of previous winners have progressed to a professional driving career in motorsport at the highest level, so it’s great to see another of our clients tipped for bigger and better things.

“Over the 25 years I’ve specialised in motorsport one of the things I’ve enjoyed most is setting young drivers up in a secure business sense, so that they can make the most of any success that comes their way. It’s important that young drivers like George receive the right advice to ensure that complex negotiations on contracts and endorsements protect their future interests.”

On top of winning £100,000, a McLaren Formula 1 test, BRDC membership and an Arai GP-6 RC carbon helmet, Russell has also just been signed to compete in this year’s Formula 3 European Championship, driving for the Carlin team.

George Russell commented: “This award has opened doors for many other former winners, like David Coulthard and Jenson Button, and I hope it does the same for me. I’ve worked with John Soden at Wilkes for two years, and his counsel is invaluable to help us manage the business side of my driving career.”

For more information on The Wilkes Partnership’s motorsport expertise, contact John Soden on 0121 733 8000 or email [email protected].