Explained: What does a Formula 1 team boss actually do?

(Motorsport-Total.com) - There's no single path to becoming a team principal at a Formula 1 racing team. That much is clear. In this article about current Formula 1 team principals and their responsibilities in a modern Grand Prix team, we explain the necessary requirements and the skills that are particularly valued.

What is a team boss in Formula 1?

Simply put, the team principal is the boss of a Formula 1 team. This makes the hierarchy clear. In many cases, the team principal is the ultimate decision-maker and largely responsible for the team's performance.

In the past, team founders often took on the role of team principal themselves and sometimes even owned the racing team. Examples include Colin Chapman at Lotus, Bruce McLaren at McLaren, or Frank Williams at Williams.

What's more, Chapman was also his team's designer, Williams worked actively in the garage, and McLaren even competed as a racing driver himself.

This is no longer the case today: Modern Formula 1 team bosses no longer get their hands dirty, and certainly don't sit in a Formula 1 racing car themselves. They are usually employed executives and may hold shares in the team, but nothing more.

The fact that even Formula 1 team bosses are now employees demonstrates that racing teams no longer operate in isolation. Many teams are part of larger companies and serve as the flagship of a corporation.

Examples: Ferrari, as an automobile manufacturer, has maintained a racing team for decades, with close communication between the factory and the team. Red Bull Racing, on the other hand, is owned by a corporation whose core business has nothing to do with motorsport.

Between these extremes, there are many other team constellations – all of which have an impact on the role of the team principal, who is the central figure in every racing team. The team principal must ensure that the results are right and that the investment in the team pays off.

What are the responsibilities of a Formula 1 team boss?

The team principal is the public face of the racing team. He gives press interviews, represents the team in political and sporting discussions, and is the contact person in meetings with the FIA, the stewards, or other racing teams.

Diplomatic skills and business acumen are among the most important qualities of a team leader. They must represent interests and make decisions that often have far-reaching consequences.

Another key role is leading the team. The team leader ensures a structured and motivating work environment. While a technical background can be helpful, they must not get bogged down in details in their day-to-day work. Instead, they must keep the big picture in mind.

A key decision for the team principal is: What do they do themselves, and which tasks do they delegate? A Formula 1 team consists of highly specialized experts such as race engineers, strategists, and mechanics. The team principal's job is to bring the best talent into the team, create an optimal working environment, and inspire trust in his employees.

Some team leaders pursue different management philosophies. While some merely hold the reins, others actively use their expertise in specific areas to directly support the team.

So who are the current team bosses in Formula 1? We introduce them now!

Jonathan Wheatley

Team: Sauber

Team boss since: 2025

Successes as Sauber team boss: none

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Jonathan Wheatley, born on May 7, 1967 in Beaconsfield, England, has been Team Principal at Sauber since April 1, 2025. With his many years of experience in Formula 1, he will play a key role in the team's transformation into the Audi works team from 2026 .

Wheatley began his motorsport career as a mechanic at Benetton in the early 1990s. He rose to chief mechanic and remained in that position until 2006, even after the team was renamed Renault. During this time, he contributed to two constructors' titles.

In 2006, he joined Red Bull, where he initially served as team manager and later as sporting director. Under his leadership, the team won six constructors' and seven drivers' titles. Of particular note is his role in developing the pit crew, which set multiple world records for the fastest pit stops.

At Sauber, Wheatley works closely with Mattia Binotto , Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer. Together, they lead the Sauber Motorsport AG management team and report directly to CEO Gernot Döllner.

Wheatley is known for his calm and analytical leadership style. He places great emphasis on precise processes and continuous improvement. His goal is to bring Sauber operationally to the level of Red Bull, although he emphasizes that this is a step-by-step process.

Andy Cowell

Team: Aston Martin

Team boss since: 2025

Successes as Aston Martin team boss: none yet (first season)

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Andy Cowell, born on February 12, 1969 in England, is a respected engineer and motorsport executive who has served as Team Principal of Aston Martin since 2025. Cowell is considered one of the leading experts in the field of powertrain development and has made a name for himself in Formula 1 through his innovative strength and leadership qualities.

Cowell began his career after studying mechanical engineering at the University of Lancaster. He entered the motorsport world in 1990, initially working at Cosworth, where he was involved in the development of high-performance engines. He later moved to BMW and played a key role in the development of Williams' V10 engines in the early 2000s, which led to multiple victories.

In 2004, Cowell joined the Mercedes motorsport program, where he served as a senior engineer and later as managing director of engine development. He led the team that developed the hybrid powertrains that secured Mercedes' dominance in Formula 1 from 2014 to 2021. Under his leadership, Mercedes cars won a total of eight consecutive Constructors' World Championships—a Formula 1 record.

After leaving Mercedes in 2020, Cowell initially devoted himself to consulting and technological development outside of Formula 1 before returning to Aston Martin as Managing Director in 2024. His additional appointment as Team Principal underscores the racing team's ambitions, which are aiming for a new era from 2026 with Honda as its exclusive engine partner.

Oliver Oakes

Team: Alpine

Team boss since: 2024

Achievements as Alpine Team Principal: Points

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Oliver Oakes, born on January 11, 1988 in Norwich, England, is a former racing driver who rose to prominence as a team principal and motorsport entrepreneur. His career began on the racetrack, where he established himself as one of the most promising kart drivers of his generation. In 2005, he won the Karting World Championship, which earned him international recognition and laid the foundation for his future career in motorsport.

Following his success in karting, Oakes began to gain a foothold in junior motorsport categories. He competed in single-seater series such as Formula BMW and Formula 3, but decided early on to end his active racing career and focus on the business and organizational aspects of the sport. This decision led him into the world of team management.

Oakes founded and managed Hitech GP, which quickly established itself as one of the leading junior teams. Under his leadership, Hitech won titles in Formula 4 and also enjoyed success in Formula 3. Oakes' talent for developing young drivers and building a strong team made him a respected figure in the motorsport world.

His success in the junior sector eventually led Oakes to a role in Formula 1. Oakes took on a management position at Alpine , bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and experience in building successful teams to the premier class.

Laurent Mekies

Team: Racing Bulls

Team boss since: 2024

Achievements as Racing Bulls team boss: Points

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Laurent Mekies, born on April 28, 1977 in Tours, France, is an experienced engineer and motorsport manager who has been Team Principal of Racing Bulls in Formula 1 since 2024. His career in motorsport began after studying at the Ecole Centrale Paris, one of France's most prestigious engineering schools, with a focus on vehicle engineering and aerodynamics.

Mekies began his Formula 1 career at Arrows, where he worked as an aerodynamicist. After the team's closure in 2002, he moved to Minardi, the predecessor team to Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls). He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming chief engineer before the team was acquired by Red Bull.

In 2014, Mekies moved "to the other side" to the International Automobile Federation (FIA), where he served as Safety Officer and Deputy Race Director before taking on the role of Sporting Director at Ferrari in 2018. In this role, he was responsible for the team's strategic direction and communications with the FIA. His ability to combine technical expertise with management skills strengthened his reputation as one of the key figures in the paddock.

In 2024, Mekies returned to his roots when he became Team Principal of Racing Bulls. His task is to develop the team, which operates as a sister team to Red Bull, into a more competitive racing outfit and strengthen the connection to Red Bull's successes.

Ayao Komatsu

Team: Haas

Team boss since: 2023

Achievements as Haas Team Principal: Points

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Ayao Komatsu, born in Japan on January 28, 1976, is an experienced engineer and motorsport manager who has officially served as Haas Team Principal since the end of 2023. He is the first Japanese to assume the role of Team Principal in Formula 1 and brings impressive technical and strategic expertise to the leadership of the American racing team.

After studying engineering in Great Britain, Komatsu began his motorsport career in Formula 1 in 2003. He initially worked for British American Racing (BAR), then for Renault, and later for Lotus, where he enjoyed great success as a race engineer. Among his protégés was Romain Grosjean, with whom he achieved several podium finishes. His analytical mindset and understanding of race strategy made him a sought-after figure in the paddock.

In 2016, Komatsu joined Haas, which made its Formula 1 debut shortly thereafter. Initially, he served as Chief Engineer for Track Operations and played a key role in building the new team's technical structures. Komatsu was instrumental in establishing Haas as a solid midfield team and effectively leveraging its collaboration with Ferrari.

In 2023, Komatsu was appointed Team Principal of Haas. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the racing team and represents the team both on the racetrack and in Formula 1 political matters. With his technical background and extensive experience, he aims to further develop Haas and make it more competitive in the long term.

James Vowles

Team: Williams

Team boss since: 2023

Achievements as Williams Team Principal: Points

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

James Vowles, born on June 20, 1979 in England, is a respected motorsport engineer and team principal who took over as Williams' Formula 1 manager in 2023.

After studying engineering at the University of Cambridge and completing a master's degree at Cranfield University, Vowles entered Formula 1 in 2001. His career began with British American Racing (BAR), which later became Honda, Brawn and finally Mercedes.

As a lead engineer, Vowles played a central role in the team's strategy department, operating at the interface between technology and race strategy. Vowles made a crucial contribution to Brawn in 2009, when the team sensationally won the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championships.

After the takeover by Mercedes in 2010, he remained with the team and served as chief strategist until 2022. During his time at Mercedes, he contributed significantly to the team's dominance, which won eight consecutive constructors' titles from 2014 to 2021. His strategic decisions in races were often key to the successes of drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

In January 2023, Vowles was appointed Team Principal of Williams to lead the storied racing team back to its former strength. Vowles' appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Williams, which is preparing for a future with new technical and personnel investments.

Frederic Vasseur

Team: Ferrari

Team boss since: 2023

Successes as Ferrari team boss: victories

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Frederic Vasseur, born on May 28, 1968 in Draveil, France, is an experienced engineer and motorsport manager who has served as Ferrari Team Principal in Formula 1 since January 2023. His career began in the engineering world, where he studied mechanical engineering at the prestigious Ecole Centrale Paris and developed a passion for motorsport at an early age.

After completing his studies, Vasseur founded the ASM team (later ART Grand Prix) in 1996, which won numerous titles in Formula 3. Under his leadership, the team established itself as a talent factory, producing drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

In 2016, Vasseur made the leap into Formula 1, becoming team principal at Renault when the French manufacturer returned after a lengthy hiatus. After just one year, he left the team due to internal disagreements and took over as head of the Sauber team, which later competed under the Alfa Romeo name, in 2017. Vasseur led the team through a period of transition and established it as a solid midfield force in Formula 1.

In January 2023, Vasseur succeeded Mattia Binotto as Ferrari Team Principal , taking charge of one of the most prestigious teams in motorsport. Vasseur's technical background, leadership skills, and extensive experience make him one of the key figures in modern Formula 1.

Andrea Stella

Team: McLaren

Team boss since: 2022

Successes as McLaren team boss: World Champion in the Constructors' Championship

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Andrea Stella, born on February 22, 1971 in Orvieto, Italy, is a respected engineer and motorsport manager who has served as Team Principal of McLaren in Formula 1 since 2023. Stella began his career as an engineer at Ferrari in the 1990s after graduating with a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Rome La Sapienza.

At Ferrari, Stella initially worked as a performance engineer, mentoring Michael Schumacher, among others, during his successful years. From 2002, he was promoted to race engineer and worked closely with Kimi Räikkönen and later with Fernando Alonso. His technical expertise and ability to work with drivers at the highest level made him an indispensable figure within the team.

In 2015, Stella joined McLaren, where he initially served as Head of Driver Performance. He played a key role in restructuring the team and was later promoted to Racing Director. His extensive experience and strategic thinking were instrumental in restoring McLaren's competitiveness.

In December 2022, Stella was appointed Team Principal of McLaren following Andreas Seidl's departure . In 2024, under Stella's leadership, McLaren won the Constructors' Championship for the first time in many years.

Toto Wolff

Team: Mercedes

Team boss since: 2013

Successes as Mercedes team boss: World champion in drivers' and constructors' championships

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Toto Wolff, a former racing driver from Austria, is one of the most influential figures in motorsport. Born in 1972, Wolff celebrated his 50th birthday in 2022. He is not only team principal at Mercedes, but also holds shares in the racing team and serves as Mercedes' motorsport director, similar to his predecessor Norbert Haug.

Wolff began his motorsport career as a racing driver. He competed in Formula Ford races in Germany and Austria and later switched to sports car racing. He then retired from active racing and turned to racing team management. An important step in this was his role as a director of the Williams Formula 1 team.

His greatest career achievement, however, is undoubtedly his work as team principal and co-owner of Mercedes in Formula 1. Under his leadership, the team developed into a dominant force in Formula 1, winning eight consecutive Constructors' World Championships between 2014 and 2021. During this time, he led drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to a total of seven Drivers' World Championship titles.

In her private life, Wolff is married to former racing driver Susie Wolff (née Stoddart). Susie Wolff also entered management after her racing career and was team principal of the Venturi Formula E team from 2018 to 2022. Since 2023, she has served as Managing Director of the F1 Academy , a racing series focused on promoting women in motorsport.

Christian Horner

Team: Red Bull

Team boss since: 2005

Successes as Red Bull team boss: World champion in drivers' and constructors' championships

(Get all statistics in the Formula 1 database!)

Christian Horner is one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history. He has led Red Bull Racing since 2005, transforming the team from a new entrant into one of the dominant forces in motorsport. Under his leadership, Red Bull has won numerous titles and remains a benchmark for success in the premier class of motorsport.

Horner began his career as a racing driver, competing in the 1990s in what was then Formula 3000, the predecessor series to today's Formula 2. During this period, he founded the Arden racing team, making him one of the last team owners and drivers at this level. In 1998, at just 25 years old, he decided to leave the cockpit and devote himself entirely to managing his team.

Horner was extremely successful with Arden, winning several titles in junior racing series. This success did not go unnoticed in the Formula 1 world: In 2005, Red Bull hired him as team principal for its newly founded Formula 1 team. Thus began one of Formula 1's most impressive success stories.

Under Horner's leadership, Red Bull Racing developed into a dominant racing team. With Sebastian Vettel, the team won four consecutive Drivers' and four Constructors' World Championships between 2010 and 2013. After a brief transition period, Red Bull continued this dominance with Max Verstappen: Since 2021, Verstappen has won several World Championships for the team, while Red Bull has also repeatedly secured the Constructors' title.

In her private life, Horner is married to former Spice Girl singer Geri Halliwell, now known as Geri Horner.

Horner is also known for a curious habit: when a race enters a crucial phase, he nervously jiggles his leg - a small gesture that is often captured on TV and has become his trademark.