Hello folks. It’s been a minute. An ambition was fulfilled when I met Bagpuss today. And his friends - at a remarkable exhibition of the Smallfilms company’s work, in Canterbury. It’s quite the tale. Always meet your heroes if you can. – at Canterbury, England

For the first time in my lifetime, a Mercedes-Benz has been awarded European Car of the Year. I was so excited I was literally shaking when these photos were taken. What a moment. My new motor show suit and I are very happy indeed. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have been part of the team that brought this car to life, and to have led the communications that share its many strengths with people around the world. Everyone involved in designing, engineering, marketing and launching the CLA should feel enormously proud of what’s been achieved today. My sincere thanks to all my colleagues. (For context: the last time a Mercedes-Benz won European Car of the Year was in early 1974, with the 450 SE S-Class.)

Like many of us, I grew up watching Quentin Willson on BBC television. He really opened my eyes to the wonderful world of classic cars - with features like Silver Shadows for £5000! Or the stellar history of Rover PB5s. Later, when I got to meet him for the first few occasions, Quentin was incredibly friendly, generous with his time, and always keen to get the latest info about Mercedes-Benz. I was a little bit star struck - he couldn't have been kinder. Meeting Quentin, and over the years his then fellow presenters Sue Baker and Tony Mason was a treat I couldn't have imagined back when he was a face and a languid, cool voice on my little portable TV. Always meet your heroes if you can. My sincere condolences are offered to Quentin's family and loved ones.

Recently I was honoured to participate in this regular series on leadership in the automotive industry. After a surprisingly deep dive, this is the result. My thanks to Lynda Ennis for asking, to Al Clarke for the thorough interview; and their team for polishing my rambling answers into something coherent. And, I hope, interesting.

I’m very proud of being part of this team. An incredible series of 25 records have been smashed by these people and record cars from AMG. It was a very long night, and worth every second. Full details on our media site. Link in bio…

Just spent a lovely afternoon among like-minded people and a load of old scrap metal. Juxtaposed with some cool cars, courtesy of the Heizr Club. Brilliant!

A lovely sunny morgen at the Museum’s Classics, wandering around hundreds of cars, and chatting with friendly folks. Lots of W201s, and one rare Rover Sterling Coupé. Wunderbar!

I recently drove a development prototype at a secret factory test track. Helpfully, it was filmed, and you can see the results over on the Mercedes-Benz YouTube channel. It’s revolutionary stuff. youtu.be/g1kp8ZzCnPI?si=-5xi…

Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson, en route to legendary status, 70 years ago today.

This wonderful car is looking for a new home. Former owners include the legendary @nigelmansell, and the wonderful Brian Sewell. Read its story and look at the photos here: thehairpincompany.co.uk/for-…

Lewis was on expansive, wistful, emotional and wonderful form this week. I had the honour of hosting and moderating his final farewell chat at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. We spoke for about 90 minutes, about anything and everything. He was open, honest and we all felt a lot of respect, love, appreciation and affection for him. Lewis is also very funny, he made good-natured fun of me again, as ever, and it was a real privilege to have spent so much time talking on his last trip here at the end of an incredible era. He spoke with about 200 of us, and answered every question from my colleagues too. It was a really lovely way to say “tchuess” to our superstar. I’ve been a fan of his for years, and will continue to be so when Lewis is racing in red from next year. Thank you, Lewis.

This November I’m proud to be wearing a beautiful remembrance poppy, handcrafted by an artist and veteran, Jack Taylor. It’s a pin with leather petals and an obsidian centre pistil. My grateful thanks to Lynda and the team @ennisandco for sending it through. A suitable donation made to @PoppyLegion of course.

I’m just back from a lovely couple of hours learning the difference between effortless driving talent and, er, my effortful flailing. Kimi was wonderfully chatty and friendly - it was a real treat to meet him. And to be in [a very distant] second place. 🥈🤣🤔

👋 A lovely memory from the Tour d’Elegance at the recent Monterey Car Week in California. It was great fun waving to the many folks lining the Pacific Coast Highway as we headed the parade of amazing cars. My thanks to Dimitris for inviting me to be his co-driver - it was great fun, and bonkers to see all the incredible cars snaking into the distance in the mirror. Being chased all the way by the 1924 Mercedes Targa Florio car was a real treat.