Matt Bishop

Matt Bishop is a journalist, novelist and leading communications and strategy consultant in motorsport, specialising in Formula 1, with a rich history working in senior positions for leading teams, including McLaren Racing and Aston Martin F1. He is also the founding ambassador of Racing Pride, which was set up in cooperation with Stonewall in 2019 to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the motorsport industry. When booked for speaking engagements, Matt shares his vast insight into F1, and tackles topics such as diversity, inclusion, and the environment.

Beginning his career as a bookmaker, betting-shop manager and minicab driver, Matt initiated his journalism career as a freelance writer for Sporting Life. He enrolled to study Psychology at the City, University of London, leaving after a year to focus full-time on his writing career at Car magazine. Demonstrating exceptional talent, Matt was soon promoted to Features Editor before moving to Focus magazine as Deputy Editor, followed by Acting Editor. He joined F1 Racing magazine in 1996, selling over 1.25 million copies monthly during his ten-year tenure. Matt also served as the Editorial Director of Haymarket Motorsport Publications.

Invited by McLaren Chairman Ron Dennis to join the McLaren Formula 1 team as Communication Director during a turbulent time, Matt played a crucial role in transforming McLaren’s Formula 1 media profile and public image. Matt also closely worked with McLaren’s legendary drivers Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso. In 2018 he joined the W Series as Communications Director, overseeing the global launch of the all-female racing championship. He then joined Aston Martin F1 Team as Chief Communications Officer, overseeing the launch of the formula one team and closely working with Sebastian Vettel on ground-breaking media initiatives to raise awareness of diversity, inclusion, and the environment.

An exceptional writer, Matt is the co-writer of Emmo: a Racer’s Soul and recently published his novel The Boy Made The Difference. Matt is widely credited for pioneering how Formula 1 media departments are run, having introduced cutting-edge digital and social media innovations during his tenure as Chief Communications Officer of McLaren and Aston Martin F1 Team. Now highly sought-after for speaking events, Matt is outspoken on LGBTQ+ issues and calls for more diversity and inclusion in the motorsports industry.