Ross Brawn has spent a lifetime solving some of the world's toughest engineering challenges. As the Formula 1 mastermind behind championship-winning teams at Benetton, Ferrari, Brawn GP and Mercedes, he knows that success isn't built on guesswork—it's built on preparation, innovation and data.
In this episode of The Last Salmon, Ross joins Jim Murray beside his beloved River Itchen to explore an unexpected question:
Can the mindset that transformed Formula 1 help save the Atlantic salmon?
Ross shares how fly fishing became his escape from the relentless pressure of Formula 1, why he believes engineers - not just campaigners - have a crucial role to play in conservation, and why we can't solve the wild salmon crisis without first understanding it.
Together they discuss:
- The surprising similarities between Formula 1 and fly fishing
- Why better data is essential to protecting wild salmon
- Engineering, innovation and the future of salmon conservation
- The challenges of salmon farming and environmental policy
- Restoring rivers and creating healthy habitats for wild fish
- Ross's remarkable Formula 1 journey—from Williams and Ferrari to the fairy-tale success of Brawn GP
- His favourite fishing destinations around the world, from Scotland and Iceland to the Seychelles
- Why introducing his grandchildren to fly fishing has become his greatest reward
This is a fascinating conversation about leadership, problem-solving and the power of setting the right objectives - on the racetrack, beside the river and in the fight to protect one of nature's greatest species.
The Last Salmon is in partnership with Loop Tackle, driving change for wild fish and wild places.
The Last Salmon, presented by actor and activist, Jim Murray MBE offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild salmon.
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