Best F1 team principals ever

F1 has long been raged with a debate over who the greatest driver in history is and that is something which will continue to happen for as long as the series exists.  

Statistically, it is Lewis Hamilton, but there is also Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and even Max Verstappen coming into the fold. This is not to discount Jim Clark, Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss et al, but is more a reflection on the ever-increasing length of seasons and careers. 

However, none of those drivers would have been able to achieve what they did without a great team and leader behind them. 

Hamilton won six of his championships under the leadership of Toto Wolff, Jean Todt led Schumacher to five titles, while Christian Horner took seven titles between Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen. 

So, F1 is lucky enough to have been graced with some great leaders over the years but, statistically, who is the best? 

1. Sir Ron Dennis – 17 F1 world championships (seven constructors, 10 drivers) 

• Team: McLaren (1981 – 2008; 2014-16) 

• F1 constructors’ world championships: 7 (1984-85, 1988-91, 1998) 

• F1 drivers’ world championships: 10 (1984-86, 1988-91, 1998-99, 2008) 

• Grand prix wins: 138 (1981 – 2008) 

Ron Dennis is statistically the greatest team boss in F1 history, having won a staggering 17 world championships during his time at McLaren. Dennis joined in 1981 when McLaren was without a victory since 1977, yet his excellent management quickly turned it into a championship-winning machine. 

The addition of car designer John Barnard and Porsche as the engine supplier, plus partnering triple world champion Niki Lauda with youngster Alain Prost, helped McLaren to win five titles (three drivers and two constructors) from 1984 to 1986. More championships came from 1988 to 1991, but a lull period followed once McLaren’s partnership with engine supplier Honda ended at the end of 1992.  

However, Dennis quickly returned McLaren to winning ways as Mika Hakkinen ended the century with back-to-back championships after the team had lured legendary designer Adrian Newey from Williams. 

The 21st century has not been as fruitful for McLaren though, with its only championship win being Hamilton’s 2008 drivers’ title. In 2009, Martin Whitmarsh became team principal after Dennis switched his focus to…