A Principal or not a Principal, that is the Question

RedBull Racing

Current Principal: Laurent Mekies – appointed 9 July 2025 after Christian Horner’s unexpected departure

Replaced: Christian Horner (2005 – 9 July 2025), long‑standing boss with eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles

Mercedes-AMG Petronas

Principal: Toto Wolff – in charge since 2013; continues to lead its dual commercial/business and team‑boss role

No change in 2025.

McLaren

Principal: Andrea Stella – took over 13 December 2022; led McLaren back to front-running form and remains in post

Ferrari

Principal: Frédéric Vasseur – hired 13 December 2022 to instil discipline and success; still in the helm

Aston Martin

Principal: Andy Cowell – began 10 January 2025, moving up from Group CEO, succeeding Mike Krack.

Replaced: Mike Krack (Jan 2022 – Jan 2025), who transitioned to Chief Trackside Officer after Cowell’s appointment.

Alpine

Now led by: Flavio Briatore (de facto, from May 2025), stepping in as Executive Advisor/acting team boss after Oliver Oakes’ resignation.

Replaced: Oliver Oakes – resigned May 2025, less than a year into the role, succeeded in practice by Briatore

Williams Racing

Principal: James Vowles – appointed January 2023; remains in charge through 2025

No change this year.

Haas F1 Team

Principal: Ayao Komatsu – took the helm in January 2024 and continues as team boss

Preceded by: Guenther Steiner (2016–2023).

Sauber

Principal: Jonathan Wheatley – started 1 April 2025, ending interim leadership by Mattia Binotto/Alunni Bravi

Replaced: Alessandro Alunni Bravi (Team Representative, early 2025 interim) and Mattia Binotto (temporary) before Wheatley’s arrival.

Racing Bulls

Principal: Laurent Mekies – led since December 2023, but moved mid‑season to Red Bull’s main team

Following Mekies’ departure, Alan Permane was promoted from Racing Director to Principal of Racing Bulls

Preceded by: Franz Tost (until Dec 2023).