McLaren – Andrea Stella

Andrea Stella became McLaren’s team principal in 2023 after years of experience as an engineer at Ferrari and later at McLaren, where he worked closely with Fernando Alonso. Since stepping up, he has overseen a major revival, guiding McLaren to their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years in 2024. Stella is known for his calm, structured leadership and his ability to build a strong technical team, which has given Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the platform to perform at their best. Under his guidance, McLaren have regained consistency and direction after a long period of uncertainty.

Ferrari – Fred Vasseur

Fred Vasseur took over at Ferrari in 2023, bringing with him a strong record in junior categories where his teams helped develop champions like Lewis Hamilton. He previously led Sauber and had a short spell at Renault before moving to Maranello. At Ferrari, Vasseur’s first year brought an immediate lift, with Carlos Sainz taking victory in Singapore. He has introduced greater discipline and sharper focus, laying the groundwork for Ferrari to become regular title contenders again. His pragmatic style has given the team stability at a time when it was badly needed.

Mercedes – Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff has been in charge of Mercedes since 2013 and remains one of the most influential figures in Formula 1. As both team principal and part-owner, he guided the team through the most dominant spell of the modern era, winning multiple championships with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Wolff is admired for his organisational strength, sharp business instincts, and ability to keep Mercedes competitive even when results are tougher. His leadership is centred on long-term planning and maintaining a winning culture, which he believes will eventually bring Mercedes back to the very top.

Red Bull – Laurent Mekies

Laurent Mekies became Red Bull’s team principal in 2025, succeeding Christian Horner and becoming only the second person to lead the team since it entered Formula 1. Mekies has a wide-ranging background, having worked as an engineer at Minardi and Toro Rosso, later joining the FIA as deputy race director, and more recently serving as sporting director and deputy principal at Ferrari. At Red Bull, his task is to steer the team through a period of transition and prepare for the major regulation changes coming in 2026. His combined technical and regulatory knowledge makes him well placed to guide Red Bull into its next chapter.

Williams – James Vowles

James Vowles took over as Williams’ team principal in 2023 after over two decades at Mercedes and its earlier forms. Best known as a strategist, he played a central role in the team’s race-winning calls during its most dominant years. At Williams, his priority has been to rebuild the team’s structure and performance after a long decline. In his first season, Williams moved up the order and showed real progress. Vowles is valued for combining technical insight with clear leadership, giving one of F1’s most historic teams a realistic path back towards competitiveness.

Aston Martin – Andy Cowell

Andy Cowell became Aston Martin’s team principal in 2025, having first joined the organisation the previous year as CEO. He is best known for leading Mercedes’ High Performance Powertrains division, where he oversaw the hybrid engines that dominated Formula 1 for almost a decade. At Aston Martin, Cowell’s role is to strengthen the technical base and build long-term stability, while turning the team into a consistent frontrunner. His background as an engineer and senior leader gives him the tools to guide the project forward and deliver on the team’s ambitious goals.

Kick Sauber – Jonathan Wheatley

Jonathan Wheatley took charge of Sauber in 2025 as the team prepares to transform into the Audi works outfit in 2026. After nearly 20 years at Red Bull, where he served as sporting director and helped manage operations and pit stops, Wheatley brings huge experience to the Swiss-based team. He previously worked at Benetton and Renault and is regarded as highly efficient and organised. At Sauber, his role is to keep the team competitive in the midfield while overseeing its transition into a full factory squad. His leadership is crucial in ensuring a smooth path towards the Audi era.

Racing Bulls – Alan Permane

Alan Permane became Racing Bulls’ team principal in 2025 after decades of service with Benetton, Renault, and Alpine. Starting in the electronics department back in 1989, he rose through the ranks to become a respected race engineer and later sporting director, working alongside multiple championship-winning drivers. At Racing Bulls, his focus is on turning the team into a strong midfield competitor and ensuring that it continues to develop young drivers for Red Bull. With his vast experience and steady leadership, Permane provides stability and guidance to a team often seen as a training ground.

Haas – Ayao Komatsu

Ayao Komatsu was appointed Haas team principal in 2024, replacing Guenther Steiner. He had been with Haas since their debut season in 2016, working as trackside engineering director. Before that, he built his career at BAR, Renault, and Lotus, mostly as a race engineer. Komatsu is now tasked with improving Haas’s efficiency and competitiveness despite their smaller resources compared to most rivals. His technical background and attention to detail are key strengths in helping the American team maximise its performance and aim for consistent points finishes.

Alpine – Steve Nielsen

Steve Nielsen now holds the team principal duties at Alpine in his role as managing director. The team underwent significant upheaval in 2025 when Oliver Oakes suddenly left after the Miami Grand Prix. Flavio Briatore, a long-time advisor and former team boss, briefly stepped in to steady the ship before Nielsen assumed responsibility for daily leadership. Having worked in Formula 1 since the 1980s with Benetton, Renault, Williams, Toro Rosso, and the FIA, Nielsen brings decades of experience. His job is to restore order and direction to an outfit that has struggled for stability, while keeping Alpine competitive and preparing for the future.