With only a few weeks until the 2026 F1 season kicks off, the Team Principals of each squad are gearing up for the upcoming 24-race schedule. Here’s a look at the 11 team leaders who will be steering their respective teams through this campaign.
Andrea Stella – McLaren
Andrea Stella became McLaren’s Team Principal in December 2022, marking the culmination of a long journey in motorsport that started with Ferrari in 2000 as a test performance engineer. His career progressed as he collaborated with Michael Schumacher starting in 2002, entering a championship-winning phase for Ferrari.
Transitioning to a race engineer for Kimi Raikkonen in 2009, Stella later partnered with Fernando Alonso for five years before joining McLaren. Rising through the ranks, he became Performance Director in 2018 and Executive Director in 2019. Since taking on the Team Principal role, Stella has led McLaren to consecutive Teams’ Championships in 2024 and 2025, alongside the Drivers’ title claimed by Lando Norris last season.
Toto Wolff – Mercedes
As the longest-serving Team Principal on the grid, Toto Wolff has led Mercedes since 2013. After a brief racing stint, he shifted focus to business, investing in the Williams team in 2009 before becoming Managing Partner at Mercedes.
Under his guidance, the Silver Arrows had remarkable success, securing Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships from 2014 to 2020, returning to form with a P2 finish in 2025. Mercedes aims to climb back to the top in the upcoming season.
Laurent Mekies – Red Bull
In a significant shift, Laurent Mekies has taken the helm at Red Bull, replacing Christian Horner as Team Principal. Mekies began in F1 as an engine race engineer with Arrows in 2001 before moving through roles in various teams, including a period with Ferrari.
He was appointed Sporting Director at Ferrari before his promotion to Racing Director in 2021, and took over as Red Bull’s Team Principal, where he successfully guided the team through a resurgence during the latter half of 2025.
Fred Vasseur – Ferrari
Fred Vasseur is entering his fourth season as Ferrari’s Team Principal, having assumed the role at the beginning of the 2023 season. Before his time in F1, Vasseur achieved success in the junior ranks and later served as Team Principal for Renault and Sauber/Alfa Romeo.
James Vowles – Williams
Taking on the role of Team Principal at Williams in 2023, James Vowles has a rich history in F1, starting as an engineer with BAR in 2001. He climbed the ranks, serving as Chief Strategist during Brawn’s championship win in 2009 and achieving success with Mercedes.
Alan Permane – Racing Bulls
After the Red Bull restructure, Alan Permane stepped up to become Team Principal of Racing Bulls. His extensive career in F1 began in 1989 with Benetton, progressing through engineering roles that led him to this new position.
Graeme Lowdon – Cadillac
Cadillac will enter Formula 1 in 2026, led by Graeme Lowdon, who has previous experience establishing a new team with Virgin Racing. With a strong foundation, he is set to build Cadillac’s presence in the sport.
