Who Are the F1 Team Principals in 2026?
The leadership driving F1's most successful teams into the new era. Meet the principals steering their squads through technical regulation changes and the evolution of the sport.
Andrea Stella
McLarenMcLaren's leader, credited with guiding the team's resurgence and championship success under his leadership.
Toto Wolff
Mercedes-AMG PetronasLong-time Mercedes principal and co-owner continuing into 2026.
Fred Vasseur
FerrariFerrari's principal continuing into 2026 after multiple successful seasons leading the Scuderia.
Laurent Mekies
Red Bull RacingPromoted from Racing Bulls to replace Christian Horner; leads Red Bull Racing for 2026.
Alan Permane
Racing BullsPrincipal of the Red Bull second team (Racing Bulls) following Mekies's promotion to Red Bull.
Adrian Newey
Aston MartinConfirmed as Aston Martin's Team Principal for 2026 — his first principal role — managing both technical direction and race operations.
TBC
AlpineAlpine's Team Principal for 2026 has not yet been communicated.
James Vowles
WilliamsContinues as Team Principal at Williams, driving the team's competitive resurgence.
Ayao Komatsu
Haas / TGR Haas F1 TeamHaas's team principal continues into 2026 under the rebranded TGR Haas F1 Team with Toyota's Gazoo Racing title backing.
Jonathan Wheatley
Audi (formerly Sauber)Principal of the new Audi F1 Team (formerly Sauber) leading the German marque's entry into F1.
Graeme Lowdon
CadillacTeam Principal for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team's debut season in 2026.
What does an F1 Team Principal do?
They are the CEO of the race team. They manage the budget, hire the drivers, handle politics with the FIA, and make the final call on race strategy. If the team fails, they are the first to be fired.
Is Adrian Newey really a Team Principal?
Yes. For the first time in his legendary career, Newey has taken the top job at Aston Martin for 2026, combining his technical genius with operational leadership.
About Team Principals
The Team Principal is one of F1's most critical leadership roles, responsible for overall team strategy, personnel management, budget oversight, and media relations. In 2026, the principal leadership landscape reflects significant changes — from promotions within the Red Bull family to the historic entry of Cadillac and Audi's rebranding of the Sauber operation. These individuals shape the competitive identity and culture of their organizations.