The award, which was launched in 2015, has recently undergone an overhaul to reflect the changing nature of the engineering space in motorsport. For the first time in 2023, the process was opened up to anyone currently at university or college in the UK that was studying an engineering degree.
Crespo is currently completing a Master of Sciences (MSc) in Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University. Beating over 200 applicants, Crespo was chosen for the special award after an in-depth 10-month assessment process.
The ERT Formula E team, who previously ran with NIO 333 branding, celebrated the achievements of one of their own on X.
Good news! 📣 Our strategy engineer David Crespo has been awarded the Engineer of the Future Award at the @autosport Awards. A true reflection of his expertise and dedication to motorsport engineering. pic.twitter.com/H9yiLrXaGQ
— ERT Formula E Team (@ERTFormulaETeam) December 6, 2023
“We’re proud to have such talented individuals among us, shaping the future of the sport,” their post read. “Well done, David!”
Speaking at the Autosport Awards on Sunday when accepting his trophy, Crespo said “to win the 2023 Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future Award is the best reward I could get after years of effort.
“However, I must keep working to one day be, not an engineer of the future, but an engineer of the present."
In addition to his Formula E duties, David will be able to attend a 2024 Formula 1 test day with the Williams Racing team and shadow a race team engineer.