Marc Priestley
Former McLaren F1 chief mechanic sharing lessons on performance, teamwork and precision under pressure.
Why book Marc Priestley for your next event
- Gain real-world lessons from 10 years inside the McLaren Formula 1 pit crew at the highest level of motorsport.
- Discover how elite teams deliver precision, speed and flawless execution when every second counts.
- Be inspired by powerful stories from Formula 1, media and broadcasting that translate directly to business.
Non-binding request for Marc Priestley
From the McLaren pit wall to your stage – performance without compromise
Marc Priestley is a former McLaren Formula 1 chief mechanic and pit crew member who spent a decade operating at the sharpest edge of world motorsport. Today, he is a sought-after keynote speaker, broadcaster and author, known for translating the intensity of Formula 1 into practical lessons for business. With stories from high-speed pit stops, legendary drivers and life inside one of the most successful teams in racing history, Marc delivers engaging, high-impact talks that resonate long after the event ends.
Marc Priestley – Former McLaren Formula 1 Chief Mechanic
Marc Priestley built his career in one of the most demanding environments in sport: Formula 1. For ten years, he worked as a senior mechanic with the McLaren Formula 1 team, operating at the very heart of the pit crew. In a world where races are won and lost in fractions of a second, Marc’s role required absolute precision, seamless teamwork and the ability to perform under relentless pressure.
As part of McLaren’s pit crew, he contributed directly to the team’s performance during some of the sport’s most intense and defining moments. High-speed pit stops, technical excellence and total trust between team members were not optional – they were essential. Working alongside legendary drivers and world-class engineers, Marc experienced first-hand what it takes to compete at the very top.
Today, Marc Priestley brings those lessons to audiences around the globe. His keynote presentations combine behind-the-scenes stories from Formula 1 with clear, relatable insights into leadership, collaboration and operational excellence.
Operational Excellence Under Pressure
Formula 1 is a masterclass in execution. Every process is refined. Every movement is rehearsed. Every team member knows their role with absolute clarity. Marc’s decade with McLaren provides a rare window into how elite teams consistently deliver when the stakes could not be higher.
He shares powerful lessons on:
Building a culture of accountability and trust
Performing with precision in high-pressure situations
The importance of preparation and marginal gains
Clear communication when time is critical
Turning setbacks into rapid learning opportunities
Marc’s experiences in high-speed pit stops illustrate how preparation and teamwork drive performance. In Formula 1, there is no room for hesitation. The same applies in business. Through vivid storytelling and practical examples, Marc shows how organisations can adopt a high-performance mindset and create environments where people thrive under pressure.
Broadcasting and Media Experience
Beyond the garage, Marc Priestley has built a strong profile in broadcasting and media. He co-presented the internationally popular TV show Wheeler Dealers, engaging car enthusiasts around the world with his technical knowledge and natural on-screen presence.
Marc is also a respected expert commentator on Formula 1 and Formula E. He has provided analysis and insight for major media outlets, including ITV and BBC 5 Live Radio. His ability to break down complex technical and strategic elements into clear, accessible language makes him a compelling communicator both on screen and on stage.
This media experience adds another dimension to his keynote presentations. Marc combines technical expertise with storytelling and energy, ensuring audiences remain engaged from start to finish.
Author of The Mechanic and Pitlane Lessons
Marc Priestley is the author of two acclaimed books: The Mechanic – The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane and Pitlane Lessons: What F1 Can Teach You About Life and Work. In these books, he opens the door to the hidden world behind the glamour of Formula 1, sharing honest insights into the realities of life in the pit lane.
The Mechanic reveals the untold stories of what really happens behind the scenes in Formula 1, from the intensity of race weekends to the human side of elite sport.
Pitlane Lessons focuses on the transferable principles from motorsport to everyday life and business, highlighting lessons in resilience, teamwork and continuous improvement.
He also hosts the popular podcast Pitlane Life Lessons, where he explores the valuable insights that come from operating in high-stakes environments. Through conversations and reflections, Marc continues to connect the world of motorsport with the challenges faced by modern organisations and leaders.
Book Marc Priestley for Your Event
When you book Marc Priestley for your event, you secure more than a former Formula 1 mechanic. You bring in a speaker who has lived and breathed high performance at the very highest level.
Marc tailors his keynotes to align with your organisation’s goals, whether the focus is leadership, teamwork, operational excellence or thriving under pressure. His talks are energetic, authentic and packed with real-world examples from inside McLaren and the global motorsport arena.
Audiences leave with practical tools and a renewed perspective on what is possible when preparation meets precision and teamwork is truly aligned. Marc Priestley’s journey from the McLaren pit lane to international stages makes him a powerful voice on performance, resilience and the pursuit of excellence.
If you are looking to inspire your team with insights from Formula 1 and translate elite performance into tangible business results, Marc Priestley is a compelling choice for conferences, leadership events and corporate gatherings worldwide.
Keynotes
Keynote by Marc Priestley:
Competitive Mindset
Developing the resilience and ambition to achieve ambitious goals
In Formula 1, pressure is constant and the margin for error is almost zero. Marc Priestley shares what it takes to stay focused, resilient and ambitious in an environment where setbacks are public and competition never sleeps. Drawing on his decade with McLaren, he reveals how elite teams handle failure, manage internal pressure and maintain belief when the stakes are at their highest.
This keynote connects the mindset of world-class motorsport with the realities of business and personal ambition. Marc demonstrates how resilience is built through preparation, accountability and a clear sense of purpose. He also explores how to stay competitive without losing sight of long-term goals.
Audience takeaways:
Tools to build resilience in high-pressure environments
Practical methods to turn setbacks into momentum
A clearer understanding of how ambition drives sustainable success
Strategies to stay focused and competitive in rapidly changing markets
Keynote by Marc Priestley :
Leadership and Teamwork
Lessons from working alongside World Champions
Working with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso demands trust, clarity and total alignment. Marc Priestley offers a rare look inside the dynamics between drivers, engineers and pit crew members at McLaren, revealing what true teamwork looks like at the highest level of sport.
This keynote explores the balance between individual brilliance and collective performance. Marc shares insights into communication under pressure, leading without ego and creating a culture where every team member understands their impact. He highlights how small actions, executed consistently, create championship-winning results.
Audience takeaways:
Clear principles for building trust within high-performing teams
Insight into leading strong personalities and top talent
Techniques to improve communication when time and stakes are high
A framework for aligning individual strengths with shared goals
Keynote by Marc Priestley :
High-Performance Environments
Continuous improvement and decision-making at speed
Formula 1 is a laboratory for performance. Every race weekend demands flawless execution, rapid decision-making and constant refinement. Marc Priestley shares how McLaren built systems that allowed the team to improve continuously while competing at the highest level.
Through powerful stories from the pit lane, Marc explains how preparation, marginal gains and data-driven decisions shape results. He shows how organisations can create clarity in chaotic environments and empower teams to act decisively when it matters most.
Audience takeaways:
Methods to embed continuous improvement into everyday operations
Practical insights into decision-making under intense time pressure
Approaches to creating clarity and structure in complex settings
Inspiration to pursue operational excellence without compromise
Keynote by Marc Priestley :
The Future of Motorsport
Electric innovation and Formula 1’s path to net zero
Motorsport is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in electric vehicle technology and ambitious sustainability goals. Marc Priestley provides informed insight into the rise of Formula E, the development of electric mobility and Formula 1’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
With experience as a Formula 1 and Formula E commentator, Marc offers a balanced perspective on innovation, regulation and the future of high-performance engineering. This keynote explores how sustainability and performance can move forward together, shaping the next era of global sport and mobility.
Audience takeaways:
A clear understanding of Formula 1’s sustainability ambitions
Insight into the growth and impact of electric racing technology
Lessons on adapting to innovation and regulatory change
Inspiration to embrace sustainable thinking without sacrificing performance
F1 Keynote Speaker - Marc Priestley
Watch Marc Priestley in action!
I Got Caught In A Big Fight Between Kimi & Ron...
Watch Marc Priestley in action
