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British marshal Maurice Bennington has been honoured in the FIA Awards for Volunteers and Officials along with others from across the globe, celebrating the commitment, dedication and passion of those who power motorsport.

From grassroots events to World Championship rounds, our sport relies on armies of volunteers and officials who work behind the scenes to keep us racing and rallying safely, fairly and smoothly. All the winners displayed professional excellence and an immense commitment having dedicated years and in some cases many decades to the sport.

Bennington was awarded the FIA Lifetime Marshal award, having been nominated by Motorsport UK following a 55-year career that makes him one of the most recognisable figures in British marshalling. Known as“ Mr Assembly,” he is renowned for his clear organisation, memorable paddock announcements and deep knowledge of race operations at circuits such as Snetterton, Brands Hatch and Silverstone. He has supported countless events – over 30 in 2024 alone, and inspired generations of new marshals through his mentorship, stories and unwavering dedication.

The announcement of the awards follows the recent release of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship Volunteer Report which found that within Formula 1 alone the training and support offered to volunteers by the FIA and its member clubs – including Motorsport UK – equates to over 11 million euros of investment per year.

In Formula 1 two-thirds of volunteers have been volunteering for over five years, a testament to the positive culture built during race weekends.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:“ Volunteers and officials power our sport, and I am delighted to recognise the commitment, passion, and expertise they show through these awards.

“ Congratulations and thank you to our volunteers and officials for their continued service from grassroots to the global stage. It is their dedication that helps us go racing and rallying.”

The new FIA Officials and Volunteers Department has also been leading efforts throughout the Federation to further enhance the volunteer experience across motorsport disciplines and maintain the healthy retention rate.

Maurice Bennington at the 2025 British Grand Prix.

Dom Gibbons

The 2026 season of the F1 Academy promises another important step forward for female talent in single-seater racing, and once again British drivers are set to play a prominent role on the grid. Abbi Pulling, of course, was champion in 2024.

Among the leading British prospects is Welsh driver Ella Lloyd, who returns for her second campaign after an impressive rookie season. Joining Lloyd under the McLaren banner is another British rising star, Ella Stevens.

Like Lloyd, Alisha Palmowski is another returning for a second full season with hopes of building on her rookie campaign experiences, which produced one win and four further podiums. Scotland will also be represented on the grid by Rachel Robertson, who graduates to a full-time seat after impressing during a stand-in appearance in the 2025 season finale.

The fifth member of the UK’ s quintet is Megan Bruce, whose racing journey started in the Caterham Academy.

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Revolution- March 2026