Meet the 2026 F1 Team Principals: A New Era of Leadership
As Formula 1 enters the 2026 season, the grid features a mix of established leaders and fresh faces. From championship winners to newcomers at Cadillac and Audi, here is the complete list of team principals shaping the sport's future.
Formula 1 enters the 2026 season with a transformed leadership landscape. With McLaren securing a second consecutive championship double and new manufacturers Cadillac and Audi joining the grid, team principals face pressure to deliver under fresh technical regulations.
Why it matters:
The 2026 regulations represent a massive shake-up, placing immense value on stable leadership. With Adrian Newey stepping into team principal roles at Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley leading Audi, the balance of power is shifting. Strong leadership is the critical differentiator in adapting to new rules.
The details:
- The Front Runners: Andrea Stella stays at McLaren after back-to-back titles. Toto Wolff leads Mercedes as 2026 favorites, leveraging a major engine innovation.
- The Scramble: Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies in 2025 to replace Christian Horner. Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur faces pressure after a 2025 slide to fourth.
- New Roles: Aston Martin appointed Adrian Newey as team principal, while Alan Permane took charge at Racing Bulls.
- New Entrants: Jonathan Wheatley leads Audi’s debut alongside Mattia Binotto. Graeme Lowdon heads Cadillac, fielding Bottas and Perez with Ferrari power.
- The Outlier: Alpine relies on Flavio Briatore and Steve Nielsen without a traditional team principal.
The big picture:
The 2026 grid blends proven winners and ambitious projects. While McLaren and Mercedes rely on continuity, the season's success may depend on the new guard—specifically Newey at Aston Martin and Wheatley at Audi. With Haas securing Toyota backing and Williams resurging under James Vowles, the midfield battle promises to be intense.