Ross Brawn received an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Northampton on Sunday.

The Award was part at the University's Winter Ceremonies program, and Brawn joined 1,553 students graduating from the University at the Royal & Derngate.

Professor Nick Petford, presiding over his first graduation ceremonies as Vice Chancellor of The University of Northampton, opened proceedings by welcoming Mr Brawn, students from the University's School of Science and Technology, Northampton Business School, and their families and friends.

Brawn accepted his Honorary Doctorate from Kamal Bechkoum, Dean of the University's School of Science and Technology. Speaking to the Ceremonies audience, the Mercedes team boss said: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks for this Award. As a young man I took the workplace apprenticeship route, but I can see that today universities offer a broad and rounded education, which is appreciated by employers such as myself.

"Northamptonshire is the 'Silicon Valley' of motorsport, and The University of Northampton recognises this and is building strong links with businesses across the region, including our own. As well as offering its students opportunities to link in with, and providing 'shadowing days' at our factory, we are additionally sponsoring one of our staff to study for a degree at the University.

"We have an acronym for TEAM at work - is stands for 'Together Everyone Achieves More'. In this spirit I would like to accept the Award made to me today on behalf of the entire team who have made it possible for us to succeed."