Miguel Tiago: My NMA Experience
At the National Motorsport Academy, we’re proud to have a diverse community of students from around the world, each bringing unique backgrounds and experiences. Today, we’re excited to share the story of Miguel Tiago, who is currently studying for the Online MA Business of Motorsport degree.
Based in Mozambique, Miguel is a great example of a ‘mature’ student, proving that it’s never too late to earn a degree. Despite his extensive experience, he brings the same dedication and enthusiasm as any other student.
And when it comes to experience, Miguel’s motorsport career spans over 30 years, covering both broadcasting and the industry itself. He is currently the F1, MotoGP, and World Superbike commentator for South Africa’s SuperSport TV and also serves as a consultant for the FIA. His impressive resume includes roles as a steward, race director, board member, and even a driver!
Now, let’s hear directly from Miguel as he shares his incredible journey in motorsport, why he chose the MA Business of Motorsport, and his experience with the NMA so far.
Over to you, Miguel!
Hello Miguel - Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Miguel Tiago, I’m 56 years old, I’m currently studying the MA Business of Motorsport and I’m on Module 3- Commerce within Motorsport.
I was born in South Africa to Portuguese immigrant parents and completed my schooling in the Rainbow Nation. I moved to Mozambique in my 20s, where I lived for 30 years, and that’s where my passion for motorsport truly took root. My interest in Formula One has always been a driving force behind my desire to get involved at a deeper level. Having been a broadcast cameraman in my early years, the two passions came together when I was invited to work as a commentator for Multichoice on the Portuguese SuperSport channel, transmitting to 50 countries in Africa. I have been doing this for 18 years.
In 1996, I won the Mozambican National Cup in Karting (100cc), which later led to my role as the sporting director for the Motorsport National Regulating Authority, the ATCM. I was elected as a member of the FIA Nominations Committee in 2021 and have recently been re-elected to serve for another four years, until 2028.
My involvement with motorsport at the grassroots level and my ability to find synergies with the FIA have led to my engagement with the FIA Development Task Force for Africa, where I consult with African countries and their FIA-registered member clubs to tailor development programs for motorsport activities.
What's it like being a commentator for F1 & MotoGP?
Nothing gives me more pleasure than reaching out to millions of people while sitting on the edge of my chair in a studio. I initially started this role as a sailing commentator for the America’s Cup in 2007, which was a far cry from the loud and very fast world of F1. After covering some Le Tours around France on two wheels, as well as considerably faster MotoGP and Superbike events, I quickly understood that my true calling in broadcasting lay in motorized sports.
From gaining access to setups and tire degradation figures to interacting live with viewers on the fly, it all became a petrolhead’s dream, where the weeks between races felt like years.
Taking the knowledge and experience I’ve gathered from sports directing and broadcasting, I feel that, even though I’m not a youngster, the time has come to give back to the sport in the form of consulting and training.
What does a typical day in the life look like for Miguel?
Sports management is as fast-paced as it sounds, but it is not always as glamorous. It demands a great deal of dedication and time, especially when dealing with regulations and safety matters.
In Africa, most countries are starting from scratch, so a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist. A typical day in my life, between weekends when I’m commentating, usually includes touching base with my African colleagues and assisting them with various issues and challenges regarding management and training.
Studying is like a tonic to me, as it provides a therapeutic way to see things from a different perspective. To take a break from the usual grind, I often find myself immersed in lectures, reviving a long-lost love for writing that I had forgotten I possessed. Keeping up with regulatory changes and new developments constitutes a significant part of my routine.
What inspired you to choose the MA Business of Motorsport?
The hope of achieving a degree at this level comes as a culmination of a lifelong ambition. First and foremost, it serves as a way of reorganizing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years by viewing it in a different, more academic light. Understanding that, in some cases, what I have learned, may not always be the only way to approach to take. The world of motorsports and the way it is run is a big challenge, in itself, but also the most refreshing and rewarding for me.
Studying with NMA gives me the opportunity to learn from an institution that originates from the cradle of motorsport and the academy is one of the most distinguished institutions currently teaching this art. Race craft is not just about the track and how you race; it’s also about how you get there to give yourself a winning chance, and if you can’t get there, why not teach others how to do it?
What's your NMA experience been like so far?
I’m not halfway through yet but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the modules till now. Because I live and work in the world of Motorsports the biggest challenge has probably been to take one step back and to look at it as an outsider looking in.
I feel that it would be safe to say, that I enjoyed the module on Ethics in sports Governance. Living in and working in Africa truly gives me a sense of how much more still has to be done to reach a truly representative, and diverse platform and how much still needs to be done to get there.
I’m looking forward to the Virtual site visits and Motorsport Business Reflection, as this encapsulates the exciting part of motorsports, however I do believe that the biggest challenge, which I’ve never shied away from, is probably the executive project. I believe this has the potential to be the crowning Pièce de resistance in anyone’s life work.
How supportive have your tutors been?
The tutors have been amazing; the insight and guidance are top-notch. (The proverbial apple for the teacher has been given.) Jokes aside, COVID-19 taught us that we can do things differently. We have reinvented ourselves to adapt to a changing world. Motorsport could not be left behind, and the concept of distance learning has created new champions—not only among those who have taken on the challenge of teaching internationally but also in the concepts that have emerged around these virtual initiatives, allowing people like me to embrace this opportunity. The dynamics are different, but the knowledge is real, and the people guiding us towards that knowledge deserve to be commended.
Has the course helped your career so far?
Absolutely! I’ve always looked at my endeavours in motorsports as either voluntary work or work which I do out of passion or enjoyment. Being able to join academia at this level, throws a different perspective on my career. It has enlightened me to a way of thinking which has changed the way I do my work, as a consultant and as a Formula 1 commentator. It has also shown me that even when you physically stop racing on track you still have so much to give to the sport in so many ways. The course is giving me the tools to do so.
What future goals do you hope to achieve, and how does your degree with NMA fit into your plans?
In my role as a consultant, I want to be able to give support and training for as long as I can. In my role as a sporting director, I feel that everything I take forward with me from here, can only be an advantage for me and those I am supporting through my work. I don’t have any plans to change tack; however, I feel that I owe it to others and to myself to make the journey a more educated and enjoyable one. My degree with NMA is the foundation I need to ensure that investing my time and effort in motorsport wasn’t wasted. I view it as a culmination of my work and as a platform to initiate a new phase in my career, which seems to be the next obvious step to take.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to make their mark in motorsport?
I always tell my pupils, drivers and colleagues, if you don’t have the passion, don’t bother. Motorsports doesn’t grow on you. It’s born in you. If you think motorsport is only a leisure pastime and you have the passion, then don’t look back. Besides being a niche market, at some point you’re going to come to the same conclusion I did.Â
How can someone have so much fun and still get paid for it
David O. Selznick \ Film Producer
A big thank you to Miguel for speaking to us! You can stay up-to-date on his motorsport journey by following him on LinkedIn
