Motorsport

In this fast-paced and highly competitive environment, where marginal gains, strategy and performance can determine the outcome of a race, motorsport clients expect the same level of precision from their legal team. At Penningtons Manches Cooper, our lawyers provide genuine sector expertise, with many having built up long-standing relationships across the motorsport industry.

Motorsport lawyers with a clear sector focus

Our multi-disciplinary, cross-office group of motorsport specialists acts for both organisations and individuals based in the UK and internationally. With many years of experience representing teams, track owners, drivers, racers, regulatory bodies and event organisers across a range of motorsports – from Formula 1 and Formula E to powerboat racing and motorbikes – our motorsport lawyers focus on delivering advice that is commercially grounded, pragmatic and technically accurate.

Combining deep legal understanding with practical sector insight, we provide seamless advice that aligns with the commercial realities of motorsport, across a broad spectrum of practice areas. Some of our team members are pro-active members of sports industry organisations including the British Association for Sport and Law (BASL), Women in Sport and Sports Resolutions’ pro-bono panel.

For motorsport businesses, we offer immigration guidance for international talent, including drivers, managers, engineers, and support staff. We also assist across commercial contracts, brand protection and reputation management, employment related matters, data protection, dispute resolution and real estate.

For individuals operating in the motorsport world, our lawyers advise on a broad range of matters, including employment, private wealth, personal injury and reputation management.

I really feel like I can trust Penningtons blindly when it comes to the depth and breadth of their industry knowledge.

We are frequently asked to provide commentary on topical legal issues for industry publications and news outlets. With up-to-date sector knowledge, international reach and a genuine passion for motorsport, our team is trusted by clients to navigate the high-stakes nature of this industry. Whether you are a global racing brand, a track operator, a competitor, or part of the support crew, our motorsport lawyers offer tailored expertise that keeps you ahead of the curve.

If you’re looking for specialists who understand the unique demands of motorsport and deliver solutions that work on and off the track, we’re ready to help.

How we help our clients

Global brand protection, image rights, trade mark strategy and enforcement

Immigration advice for teams, athletes and support staff

Disciplinary and related issues for employers and governing bodies

Reputation management for drivers, teams and sponsors

Employment contracts, including transfers, bonuses, exits and performance clauses

Commercial contracts, including sponsorships, supplier deals and race-day operations

Injury claims for racers, crew and trackside personnel

Dispute resolution involving regulatory, sponsorship and contractual conflicts

Corporate structuring, acquisitions and finance

Advice on the sale, purchase, development and leasing of factories, sites and race tracks

Personal wealth management and international tax planning for individuals

Data protection, privacy and GDPR compliance, including support with DSARs

Recent work highlights

Visa guidance for motorsport teams

Acting on behalf of leading international motorsport teams to obtain visas and immigration clearances for key individuals, ensuring compliance with jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Trade mark and brand strategy

Advising leading motorsport and electric motorsport teams on worldwide trade mark portfolio management as well as brand protection matters.

Catastrophic motorcycle race injury

Acting for a well-known motorcycle racer who suffered catastrophic brain, spinal cord and lower limb injuries, with a risk of amputation, during the Isle of Man TT.

Formula 1 contract dispute challenge

Representing a high-profile individual involved in Formula 1 in connection with a significant contractual dispute with their former employer.

Protection of sensitive business information

Advising a high-profile team on safeguarding its confidential information, including developing robust internal protocols and strengthening contractual protections.

Formula 1 restrictive covenant conflict

Acting for a Formula 1 team during a dispute with a competitor over employee restrictive covenants and the alleged misuse of confidential information.