Bernie Collins and Andy Stevenson Strengthen Grand Prix Trust

Bernie Collins and Andy Stevenson have joined the Grand Prix Trust as new trustees, adding their experience to a group that helps people in the Formula 1 community. The announcement was made on May 21, 2025.

The Grand Prix Trust is a charitable organization founded by Jackie Stewart in 1987 to support those working or previously employed in F1 who are experiencing hardship. The trust is guided by Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver and current commentator, and already includes well-known trustees like Patrick Head, Ross Brawn, and Jonathan Wheatley.

Bernie Collins is well known as a pundit for Sky Sports and previously worked as head of strategy at Aston Martin’s F1 team. Her recent switch to media followed a successful engineering career that saw her involved in key moments for multiple F1 teams. For more on the role of engineers in motorsport, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers offers valuable insights.

Andy Stevenson began his F1 journey with the Jordan team in 1991 as a mechanic and has remained with the operation through its various identities, including Aston Martin, for over 30 years. He now serves as the team’s sporting director, handling critical team responsibilities at every Grand Prix.

Martin Brundle welcomed Collins and Stevenson to the board, saying the trust is expanding its reach and achievements for the F1 community. He highlighted both as respected industry professionals who bring a deep understanding of motorsport and a clear commitment to helping others.

Collins called the appointment a privilege and said she was eager to contribute to the important work the trust undertakes for people in the sport. Stevenson, describing his invitation as an honor, said the trust provides crucial help and guidance for those who most need it, reflecting the values of care and support that are the heart of racing.

The Grand Prix Trust’s mission goes beyond current F1 staff. It also offers support to anyone who has worked in Formula 1 for at least two years, and there is a special bursary for underprivileged young people aiming to build careers in the industry. For those interested in educational opportunities in motorsport, the FIA’s educational programs provide additional resources.

The organization helps these students with college costs and assists them in finding jobs in the motorsport world, making a positive difference for future generations.

The addition of Collins and Stevenson follows a period of growth for the trust, which has adapted as the Formula 1 industry continues to expand worldwide. Their experience is expected to help the trust connect with more people who need its services, from former pit lane staff to families seeking educational opportunities in racing.

Both trustees will work closely with the board’s existing members to keep supporting F1 staff and their families, whether they face illness, financial uncertainty, or career changes. The trust’s board, now bolstered by two new voices, hopes to bring relief and new opportunities to even more people within the motorsport community.

With Formula 1 entering its 75th year, initiatives like the Grand Prix Trust underline the strong community spirit behind the scenes. Collins and Stevenson’s appointments continue a tradition of lending expertise and compassion to those who help keep racing running, both on the track and behind the cameras.

Their joining marks a new chapter for the trust as it grows alongside the sport it serves. Recent developments in motorsport honor these contributions, similar to the recognition seen in the NASCAR Hall voting, which celebrates outstanding figures in racing history. For more on the history of motorsport philanthropy, the Motorsport Safety Foundation provides further context.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.