Gary Paffett – From DTM Champion to Motorsport Leader

Gary Paffett’s career spans more than two decades at the highest level of international motorsport. Known for his calm authority and relentless focus on performance, he has succeeded both behind the wheel and in senior leadership roles.

Joining the DTM as a factory Mercedes-AMG driver in 2003, Gary quickly established himself as a key figure within the championship. Over 185 race starts, he secured 23 wins, 48 podium finishes, 17 pole positions and 14 fastest laps. He claimed the DTM title twice, first in 2005 and again in 2018, underlining his ability to perform at the highest level across different eras of the sport.

As a long-standing Team Captain, Gary’s influence extended beyond driving. He played a central leadership role within Mercedes-AMG, helping guide the team to drivers’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in their final DTM season. His experience of sustaining excellence over many years forms the foundation of his keynote topics on resilience, culture and accountability.

Formula 1 & High-Performance Development

Alongside his DTM success, Gary worked at the pinnacle of motorsport as a full-time test and development driver for the McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 team from 2006 to 2014. In this role, he contributed to the continuous development of Formula 1 cars, collaborating with engineers, analysts and drivers in an environment defined by precision and marginal gains.

In 2016, he joined Williams as a simulator driver, further strengthening his expertise in performance optimisation and data-driven decision-making. Working in Formula 1 requires absolute trust between technical teams and drivers. Gary’s experience in this environment provides audiences with clear lessons on preparation, feedback culture, and extracting maximum performance from both people and technology.

He translates these insights into practical takeaways for organisations aiming to build high-performing teams where every detail matters and every individual understands their role.

Electric Racing & Global Competition

Gary’s competitive drive has taken him across multiple disciplines. He entered Formula E with HWA Racelab during the 2018–2019 season, embracing the challenges of electric racing and the strategic complexity of a new championship format.

In addition, he has competed in major GT endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the Bathurst 12 Hour. These events demand adaptability, teamwork and mental strength across long race distances and changing conditions.

This breadth of experience enables Gary to speak about navigating change, staying competitive in evolving industries and performing under sustained pressure. Whether in traditional motorsport or cutting-edge electric series, his approach remains consistent: clarity of purpose, disciplined preparation and collective effort.

Leadership & Management in Formula E

In 2019, Gary transitioned from full-time driver to leadership roles within Formula E. He became Sporting Advisor for the Mercedes EQ Formula E Team, contributing strategic guidance during a key phase of the team’s development.

In 2022, he stepped into the role of Team Manager for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, guiding the team through its championship debut. Launching a new team in a global series demands strong leadership, alignment and the ability to build culture from day one. Gary drew on his years as a Team Captain and elite driver to unite engineers, drivers and commercial stakeholders around a shared ambition.

In 2023, he was appointed Sporting Director of the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, holding both leadership positions through the 2024/25 season. These roles required oversight across operations, strategy and sporting performance in highly competitive international environments.

Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Gary was named Racing Director of the Cupra Kiro Formula E Team. This appointment marks the next step in his progression as a senior motorsport leader, responsible for guiding performance, strategy and team development at the highest level of electric racing.

Book Gary Paffett for Your Event

When you book Gary Paffett for your event, you gain access to insights shaped by world championships, Formula 1 innovation and executive leadership in global sport. He speaks with authenticity and authority, drawing on real experiences from championship battles, technical debriefs and boardroom decisions.

Gary delivers keynotes on:

• Building resilient, motivated teams

• Leading in competitive and fast-changing environments

• High-performance culture and marginal gains

• Data-driven decision-making

• Transitioning from individual contributor to leader

His style is direct, engaging and grounded in lived experience. Audiences leave with practical tools and a clear understanding of how elite motorsport principles can be applied to business, leadership and organisational performance.

Gary Paffett’s journey from DTM Champion to Racing Director demonstrates what sustained excellence looks like. For organisations seeking inspiration combined with actionable insight, he offers a compelling perspective from the front line of world-class competition.