Institution news
The award recognises an individual or organisation that has delivered significant impact, innovation and sustained technical excellence within the field of motorsport engineering.
Celebrating a career of technical leadership
This year’s Adrian Reynard Award was presented to Dr Pat Symonds, currently Executive Engineering Consultant for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Symonds was recognised for his extensive and influential career in Formula 1, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping technical regulations, vehicle performance and engineering strategy across several decades.
In particular, the award acknowledged Symonds’ leadership in advancing the adoption of more sustainable fuels within Formula 1. His work has been instrumental in driving the sport towards a more environmentally responsible future, demonstrating how high-performance engineering and sustainability can progress together.
"One thing was clear throughout the evening - Pat’s passion for finding innovative solutions to solve problems. We could all feel the excitement from him as he talked through the time in 1993 when he was working with Ross and Michael Schumacher at Benetton, on the development of the active suspension with the independent 4-wheel steer."
- Philippa Oldham CEng MIMechE, Chair Prizes and Awards Committee, Automobile Division
A special presentation on the night
The award is traditionally presented by Adrian Reynard himself, whose name it proudly bears. Unfortunately, Reynard was unable to attend the dinner this year, and Ross Brawn presented the award on his behalf.
Brawn, one of the most respected figures in Formula 1 engineering and management, added further significance to an already memorable occasion.
The dinner was a highlight of the IMechE Automobile Division’s calendar, celebrating outstanding achievement, innovation and the enduring impact of engineering excellence in motorsport.
Formula Student and the future of engineering
When asked what the Institution could do to support future engineers, both special guests cited the opportunity to work together as a team at IMechE's Formula Student as paramount to developing key skills.
They agreed that technical skills and innovative solutions aside, the ability to work as a team makes a great engineer!
Nominations for awards now open
To continue celebrating the achievements of exceptional engineers over the coming year, IMechE highlights the Automobile Division’s two flagship awards: the Richard Parry-Jones Memorial Medal and the Adrian Reynard Motorsports Medal. These honours recognise individuals or teams who demonstrate outstanding technical achievement in automotive engineering and motorsport engineering respectively. Nominations for both awards are now open and will close on 31 July 2026.