The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2026: The International Jury Announced

The frozen lake of St. Moritz will once again host automotive masterpieces 
and a world-renowned jury.

By Simon Trumper

The Engadin has donned its most spectacular winter attire as it prepares to welcome one of the season’s most anticipated events: The I.C.E., now firmly established as an unmissable appointment. On 30th and 31st January 2026, the frozen lake of St. Moritz will once again transform into an extraordinary stage where automotive masterpieces are celebrated as works of art in motion. Collectors, enthusiasts, and international visitors will be immersed in an experience that blends heritage, style, and pure emotion on ice.

A record number of applications has been received, confirming the growing interest from the international collector community, and the selection process of the official entries is now completed. Vehicles will compete in five classes: Barchettas on the Lake, Open Wheels, Icons on Wheels, and two new additions: Birth of the Hypercar and Legendary Liveries. Each category invites guests to read the automobile as a cultural code where beauty, engineering, and iconic allure meet.

This year’s international jury, composed of world-class experts, brings together technical expertise and artistic sensibility, including leading figures from the automotive world, as well as design, fashion, and the arts.

Marco Makaus, founder and Patron of The I.C.E. St. Moritz, author of several books dedicated to brands that have written the history of motoring. He attended the first Concorso d’Eleganza in 1989, has been part of various international juries and still collaborates in the organization of many classic and vintage car events, including Mille Miglia, Villa d’Este Style and Villa la Massa Excellence.

Richard Adatto, one of the world’s leading experts on classic cars and an award-winning author of books on French automotive styling, he has been on the board of the Mullin Automotive Museum and a member of the selection committee at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance, where he has also been a judge for more than thirty years.

Massimo Delbò a true classic car historian, he boasts various participations in international event juries. He collaborates with the most prestigious automotive publications, including Octane Magazine and Cavallino, where he is Editorial Director.

Mathias Doutreleau, former director of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the flagship event of Monterey Car Week. In 2016, he relaunched the Concours d’Elégance Suisse, the historic Concours d’Elégance in Geneva, and remains its president. He also manages the FIA Historic Championships and Historic Motor Sport Committee of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Norman Foster, internationally renowned British architect and designer, he is one of the leading exponents of contemporary architecture and the designer of the futuristic Chesa Futura in St. Moritz. Foster designed The I.C.E. Best in Show trophy, given for the first time on the 2025 edition of the event.

Michele Lupi, internationally renowned journalist, he has been editor-in-chief of magazines such as GQ, Rolling Stone, Icon and Icon Design. Chosen by Tod’s as Men’s Collection Visionary, his has an eye for quality and style, be it music, design or classic cars.

Vanessa Marçais, growing up surrounded by historic motor cars, her passion for them turned into a fabulous career in the industry. She is the creator, together with her husband Flavien Marçais, of the GT & Sports Car Cup, a series of invitation-only historic car races promoted by their brand Automobiles Historiques. She is also an esteemed events curator.

Philip Rathgen, CEO of Classic Driver, is one of the most influential figures in the world of classic cars. He participates in juries of international events, such as the Concours d’Elegance at Villa d’Este and the Gold Coast Motor Festival in Hong Kong.

Augustin Sabatié-Garat, leading personality on the international auction scene, he has been working with RM Sotheby’s since 2012, where he currently holds the position of Director of Sales for the EMEA markets. A great classic car enthusiast and connoisseur, he regularly participates in rallies and track events throughout Europe.

Jay Ward, Creative Director for Franchise at Pixar, overseeing global Cars-related projects and he was the automotive and creative consultant on all three Cars films. Additionally, he serves as an Honorary Judge and Class Judge at numerous concours, including Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este.

Fabrizio Giugiaro, a designer and entrepreneur leading GFG Style and Giugiaro Architettura, he is the new entry to this year’s edition. A key figure at international events dedicated to design and automotive elegance, he brings a vision that blends tradition with innovation.

A major novelty this year, the prizegiving will be hosted by Amanda Stretton, newly appointed Master of Ceremonies, bringing her charisma and professionalism to the glamorous and thrilling stage of The I.C.E. St. Moritz. A distinguished British journalist and broadcaster, Stretton is one of the leading voices in the automotive and motorsport worlds. The first British woman to win an international long-distance race at Spa Francorchamps, she has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and is now a prominent host for global TV shows and events dedicated to mobility and design. She also serves as Master of Ceremonies at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, confirming her international profile and unique ability to narrate automotive excellence.

Headline photo: A.Furger: Andrea Furger