100 Most Influential People in Formula 1

Paddock magazine proudly presents it’s sixth “100 Most Influential People in Formula 1” list. It’s our very own register of the most powerful people in the industry at the moment.

Contributors: Robin Fenwick, Katja Heim, Caroline Reid, Kipras Sumskas, Thomas Spink.

As always, a lot of opinions fly by about who has influence in the sport. And, interestingly, why someone has influence here. Getting higher in Formula 1 is a gradual process and it should be thoroughly examined. We‘re hoping to capture the power struggles among key individuals and reflect it all in this year’s exclusive list.

After a lot of research, we’ve published a special survey for motorsport professionals and then let our experts tweak the final results.

Click on the names or photos for short bios, and, most importantly, enjoy!


Position last year: 1

Age: 85

Bio: Despite his age, he’s still the no.1 decision maker in the sport.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 4.5 million



Position last year: 7

Age: 59

Bio: A key player in the future of the sport as the voice of the major shareholders (Formula One Group).

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.5 million



Position last year: 2

Age: 70

Bio: The lead individual responsible for the rules of the sport which has a profound effect on the future of Formula 1.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.1 million



Position last year: 5

Age: 63

Bio: The boss of Daimler, owner of the championship winning team Mercedes AMG Petronas. A big influencer in the German Grand Prix.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.7 million



Position last year: 35

Age: 63

Bio: CEO of Ferrari’s parent company and a major decision maker in Ferrari’s future.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.2 million



Position last year: 3

Age: 71

Bio: Owner of Red Bull. The backer behind the 4-time championship winning team and the key influencer in the Austrian Grand Prix.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.5 million



Position last year: 11

Age: 44

Bio: Team Boss at Mercedes AMG Petronas. Current and Double World Champions. Since leaving Williams, Wolff has made quite an impact.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 2.8 million



Position last year: 6

Age: 68

Bio: The McLaren boss has achieved more than most in Formula 1. His Team may not be performing as he would wish today, but he remains a key player in the sport and no doubt he will achieve success for the team again in the future given his passion for winning.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.9 million



Position last year: 10

Age: 74

Bio: A true inspiration to many. He continues to run the Williams with the support of his daughter Claire.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 3.8 million



Position last year: 13

Age: 62

Bio: Took a big decision to buy the Lotus F1 team when they were in a difficult place. It’s great to see Renault back in the sport and no doubt they will continue to improve as the season goes on.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 2.2 million


Formula.Voyage is packed with essential information about every Formula 1 Grand Prix

Formula.Voyage provides everything the visitors, VIP’s and motorsport professionals need to know about: travel Information, first class venue tickets, venue access, security services, private aircraft facilities, private air charter, helicopter transfer services, limousine services, best hotels, best restaurants, VIP hospitality services, corporate hospitality services, networking opportunities, night life, yacht charter and luxury shopping.


Position last year: 15

Age: 42

Bio: Widely tipped as Bernie Ecclestone’s successor, the Red Bull Racing’s leader has become a major player in the sport.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.2 million



Position last year: 18

Age: 59

Bio: Still relatively new in his role as Team Principal, but an old face in F1 given his previous role for Philip Morris. Has the respect of the Team and already made strides towards getting back to the top.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.0 million



Position last year: 4

Age: 67

Bio: Well respected at Mercedes AMG Petronas and a key influencer with both drivers, his experience as a racer and latterly in a management role means he is a highly valued member of the team.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 2.7 million



Position last year: 8

Age: 58

Bio: A major player in the future of the sport, less visible than Donald McKenzie, but plays a key role behind the scenes.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.3 million



Position last year: 16

Age: 76

Bio: Previously ranked as the richest person in the world, he takes a keen interest in Formula 1. Supporting various teams and drivers with sponsorship money and certainly an influencer in the Mexican Grand Prix together with his son Carlos Slim Junior.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.5 million



Position last year: 19

Age: 64

Bio: A familiar face in the sport who has been responsible for operational decisions taken during and around the races. There isn’t much Charlie hasn’t experienced in the sport!

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.3 million



Position last year: 22

Age: 60

Bio: Owner of Sahara Force India and one of F1’s character’s. Now exited from his corporate role with United Spirits so may have more time to focus on his F1 Team.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.8 million



Position last year: 71

Age: 38

Bio: Not a new face to F1, but in his most senior position to date. Eyes will be on Cyril to see how he delivers against his counterparts.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.6 million



Position last year: 12

Age: 54

Bio: One of the main brains behind the rise Mercedes AMG Petronas. Paddy rose through the ranks at McLaren and is now one of the most respected Technical Director’s in the sport.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 0.2 million



Position last year: 27

Age: 39

Bio: Arguably the person on this list who has developed as a person the most over the past few years. Claire takes the role of Team Principal when her father Sir Frank Williams is not present at races.

Google searches (approximate stats during the past 12 months): 1.6 million



Position last year: 14

Age: 50

Bio: The front man for the sole tyre supplier of the sport. Paul plays an extremely important role, and has been at the heart of a few major tyre crisis and has handled the situation admirably.


Prince Salman bin Hamad al Khalifa

Position last year: 62

Age: 46

Bio: A major influencer in the appearance of the Bahrain GP on the calendar. He is also a major shareholder in the McLaren Group.



Position last year: 9

Age: 73

Bio: An extremely important member of the Red Bull Racing team. Overseas the driver programme at the team and a key advisor to Christian Horner.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 60

Bio: A humble but impressive figure at Williams F1 Team. A proven businessman having previously been President for Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover North America and then returned to the UK to lead Jaguar Cars through the sales process to Tata motors.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: Suggested by Bernie Ecclesone as his successor. This might be an unlikely choice, but there is no doubt that Sacha has been a major influencer in the sport and important council for Ecclestone over both some important and difficult periods.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 62

Bio: A new face in the sport having only been appointed to this position in March 2016. An experienced hand at Renault however having been with the business since the 80’s. He will be watching Renault’s return to F1 with interest.



Position last year: 20

Age: 50

Bio: The gatekeeper for Bernie Ecclestone at all races. Pasquale’s disarming charm makes him a popular face in the sport, not to mention that he controls who gets access to the F1 Paddock and who doesn’t!



Position last year: 17

Age: 55

Bio: The title Partner of Mercedes AMG Petronas in an age with a reducing amount of Title Partners. Also the Title Partner for the Malaysian Grand Prix.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 53

Bio: A low profile individual who has been promoted from leading McLaren Racing to now oversee the Operations at McLaren Group. A key influencer with sponsors of the team too, so a highly valued member of the Team.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 63

Bio: New to F1 in 2016, but an experienced hand in motorsport having been involved in NASCAR for many years. Gene made a smart move this year with his Ferrari partnership allowing his team to punch above their weight in their inaugural year.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 47

Bio: Arguably has made one of the biggest impacts in the sport as Andy has lead the team who have without doubt produced the best engine in the sport today, which has in turn been arguably the biggest contributing factor to Mercedes AMG Petronas success.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 38

Bio: Relatively new to the sport. Successful Irish businessman and owner of energy firm Ovo Energy. Seems to be finding his feet in the sport after a smart move to Mercedes engines this year.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: An important and high profile partnership for FOM not just for the money they are spending, but it is exactly the type of a brand that the sport should be attracting. The focus is almost entirely on brand exposure, which makes them a highly visible partner around the circuits.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 59

Bio: Axel was the key figure in signing off the Formula One Management Partnership at UBS. They also have a partnership with Mercedes and have spent a significant sum entertaining guests in the Paddock Club.



Position last year: 23

Age: 64

Bio: Mansour has been part of the McLaren set up for many decades now. There have been some concerns about his health in recent years, but he is very close to the Bahraini’s and despite his enormous business success remains a lovely character to be around and an important part of the McLaren setup.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: A bold move to come back into Formula 1 which was ultimately agreed by Takahiro Hachigo. He’s had some significant challenges with performance of his engine, but insiders believe it’s just a matter of time before Honda get it right.



Position last year: 26

Age: 31

Bio: Without doubt the most marketable driver in the Paddock today. His three world championships look to be just a start, but aside from his obvious talent, his personal life attracts significant media attention which can only be a good thing for the sport.



Position last year: 32

Age: 57

Bio: Major Partner of Formula One Management obtaining significant brand exposure from the sport.



Position last year: 33

Age: 61

Bio: Partner of Formula One Management (focussing on the safety car) and Mercedes AMG Petronas.



Position last year: 47

Age: 28

Bio: Four-time world champion now racing for Ferrari and a key influencer within the GPDA. Criticised for not being the biggest character in the sport, but he has gained in confidence on and off the track. One of the sport’s true talents.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: A newly appointed individual with a vital role to play with an immediate focus on improving performance of their F1 engine. Time will tell if he will sink or swim in this difficult role.



Position last year: 50

Age: 30

Bio: Despite a challenging 2015 season, Nico has attacked 2016 formidably. He has the clear advantage this season and not many would bet against him winning the championship.



Position last year: 30

Age: 51

Bio: An important technical partner of Formula One Management and Mercedes AMG Petronas. Day to day decision making is conducted by Managing Director, F1 Business, Mehul Kapadia.



Position last year: 45

Age: 76

Bio: Sir Jackie may not have driven for many years now, but he is still right in the thick of the sport. He is currently a Rolex Ambassador and an advisor to many potential and existing brands in F1. He is also very close to Bernie Ecclestone which is not a bad thing!



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 51

Bio: Significant experience in Formula 1 at Red Bull Racing, Jaguar Racing and prior to that in WRC for Ford. Guenther Steiner was tabbed by Gene Haas himself to lead the new American racing team in F1.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 56

Bio: John is the key player at Shell to signing off the partnership with Ferrari and the identified race partnerships with Formula One Management. Day to Day management is provided by Annie Kennedy, Sponsorship and Activation Manager.



Position last year: 92

Age: 35

Bio: Owner of the fastest growing Formula 1 specialist agency. Experienced at bringing new brands into the sport and activating their partnerships to deliver strong results. Fenwick boasts a number of big brands in his roster such as SAP, Pirelli, Hilton, Sky Sports, Red Bull and BT to name a few.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 55

Bio: Justin has been mentioned as the possible successor to Bernie Ecclestone which is not improbable given his previous success at Sainsbury’s. Justin has taken a role as Chairman of Manor Racing and has a son who is vying for an F1 seat (currently racing in GP2



Position last year: 38

Age: 44

Bio: In a special survey of motorsport business professionals, Zak Brown was named one of the six most realistic candidates to take Ecclestone’s place. Zak and JMI have raised more motorsport sponsorship in the past decade than any other agency.



Position last year: 89

Age: 48

Bio: James is one of F1’s best Technical Director’s and it’s a testament to him that he was targeted by Ferrari to lead their Technical Team.


Mr. A. J. Kelly

Position last year: New to the list

Age: 40

Bio: Alan has been the key influencer at ExxonMobil, responsible for the partnership with McLaren Honda. Kai Decker, Head of Motorsport, ExxonMobil is the day to day contact.



Position last year: 40

Age: 61

Bio: Still the most popular choice of designer for new F1 circuits. Tilke has created some of the world’s most iconic tracks.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 55

Bio: Ana took over as CEO from her father when he sadly passed away a few years ago. Santander’s presence in F1 – partnering with Formula One Management, Ferrari and McLaren was attributable to him and whilst the size of these partnerships have reduced in recently Ana has continued to support her father’s passion.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 56

Bio: Attila is an impressive individual who leads Do & Co, a company that has been taking care of Paddock Club’s guests since 1992.



Position last year: 48

Age: 34

Bio: Fernando is one of the most talented drivers in the sport without a shadow of doubt. He has regularly been caught in controversy over the years, but he is one of the most respected drivers on the track.


Ian Holmes

Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: Ian plays a vital role at Formula One Management. The key point person for all F1 broadcasters and has helped negotiate the majority of TV deals to date. This has delivered a substantial amount of revenue to FOM and in turn the Teams.



Position last year: 90

Age: 45

Bio: David or ‘DC’ as he is known by his friends is one of the most respected ex-F1 drivers. He works closely with a number of F1 Sponsors such as UBS, Mercedes, Hilton and Hugo Boss. Has seamlessly moved from BBC presenter to one of Channel 4’s most influential broadcast team.



Position last year: 29

Age: 45

Bio: No without her challenges both last season and this season, but Monisha has managed to steer Sauber’s ship admirably through financial worry. Much like Claire Williams, it’s great to see women in such an influential role in a male dominated sport.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 56

Bio: The entertainment company that deals with FOM and runs the Mexican Grand Prix. Supported by Carlos Slim.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 61

Bio: Global F1 Partner of FOM for many years now and a trusted partner.



Position last year: 51

Age: 36

Bio: A real legend of the sport and one of Formula’s One’s true gentleman. One of the most down to earth drivers perhaps thanks to the fact that he has had to work as hard as anyone to achieve success. His first race win came with Honda and he unexpectedly won the world championship with quickly formed Brawn GP.



Position last year: 60

Age: Unknown

Bio: Matteo plays an important role for the FIA which has already been somewhat challenging this year with the changes in F1 qualifications.


Michel Boeri

Position last year: 44

Age: 74

Bio: Responsible for the most prestigious Grand Prix on the calendar. Running since 1929 this track is an F1 favourite which has seen many dignitaries and celebrities in attendance over the years.



Position last year: 25

Age: 60

Bio: Franz Tost has lead Red Bull Racing’s second team for a number of years now. He is a well-respected individual in the Paddock and has helped foster the talent that comes from the Red Bull Development Driver pool.


Michael Roche

Position last year: 98

Age: Unknown

Bio: Michael is responsible for the Singapore Grand Prix which was F1’s first night race and now one of the most important races for business on the calendar. Running through the heart of the city, the scenes from this race are quite spectacular and it’s hard to see this race ever leaving the calendar.


Patrick Allen

Position last year: 87

Age: Unknown

Bio: The majority of Team’s home Grand Prix. Patrick leads the team therefore to impress in F1’s backyard.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: Bobby was the key player in bringing F1 back to the US following the Indianapolis race which had its problems. Despite financial worries, F1 needs to be in the US, so we hope Bobby can persuade Bernie of this!



Position last year: 79

Age: 42

Bio: Ex Lotus Team Principal has settled in nicely at McLaren. He is like and well respected throughout the F1 Paddock.



Position last year: 65

Age: 36

Bio: Abu Dhabi being the last race of the year has become one of the must see races in the calendar. ADMM have spent more on this circuit than any other country which and as such delivers a real spectacle for the fans!


Adrian Newey

Position last year: 53

Age: 57

Bio: A legendary designer for Red Bull Racing, Adrian is probably less involved today than he’s ever been as he concentrates on other projects.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 74

Bio: The lawyer with the specific mandate to manage the Italian Grand Prix. Monza has come under threat in recent years, but as one of the most historic races and home of the ‘Tifosi’ it would be hard to see this one leave the calendar.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: Possibly the best of the ‘drivers race tracks’ with perhaps the most famous corner’s in the sport ‘Eau Rouge’.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 61

Bio: Perhaps the most respected ‘Head of Marketing’ in the sport today. Ekrem has secured some of the biggest brands in the sport such as West, Vodafone, ExxonMobil and Diageo. It’s been a tough time for him with team’s relative lack of performance, but still deal’s with Chandon and Sensodyne have been delivered despite these concerns.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 53

Bio: Key player in the renewal of the Brazilian Grand Prix which has been extended until 2022.



Position last year: 59

Age: 36

Bio: Unique in many ways, but his talent is undeniable.


Zsolt Gyulay

Position last year: 95

Age: 51

Bio: One of the races that’s a real hidden gem. Not the most popular of all the races, but Zsolt’s team do a great job to deliver an amazing event in beautiful Budapest.



Position last year: 67

Age: 42

Bio: Ex-F1 driver Wurz now plays and important role for the F1 drivers and has been extremely vocal recently as the drivers have complained about the changing rules of the sport.


Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Position last year: 62

Age: 46

Bio: Working hand in hand with the crown prince to deliver a great event in Bahrain.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 78

Bio: A real friend to Bernie Ecclestone and still a major influencer in the Spanish Grand Prix.


Prof. Gerard Saillant

Position last year: 61

Age: 71

Bio: President of the FIA Institute following the retirement of Professor Sid Watkins in
2011. A former official Head Doctor to the French Olympic Team at three Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992), Sailliant has been an Advisor to the French Minister of Sports and the French Federation of Motor Sport (FFSA).



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: Taken over from Zak Brown who has since become CEO of JMI’s parent company, Webb has certainly big boots to fill as JMI is still a big player in Formula 1.


Daniel Ricciardo

Position last year: New to the list

Age: 26

Bio: Still relatively new on the scene, Daniel is one of the most likable drivers who clearly has immense talent.


Richard Sanders

Position last year: New to the list

Age: 37

Bio: Relatively new and tenacious Sanders has led the charge in securing a number of key partners for Mercedes AMG Petronas, including Hugo Boss, BlackBerry, Qualcomm and Pure Storage.


Barney Francis

Position last year: 78

Age: 44

Bio: Two time FIA broadcaster of the year, who has secured exclusive TV rights from 2019 in the UK. Sky are really leading the charge in terms of F1 TV.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 51

Bio: Azad is the champion of the newest race on the F1 calendar. Azerbaijan have a clear mandate to put themselves on the worldwide map. This city circuit is set to be a thriller!



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: Elena Zaritskaya has recently taken this post and will no doubt be closely watched by Putin who takes a keen interest in this relatively new race.



Position last year: 80

Age: 56

Bio: Founded by Katja Heim in 1985, KHP has pioneered many of the ways that people experience sports and Formula 1 in particular — not only live but across a range of channels, many of which have become widely adopted today.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: Unknown

Bio: A recognised and respected as a specialist in driver management and sponsorship acquisition, Enrico is the Director of Media Sport Group.



Position last year: 64

Age: 42

Bio: Razlan leads the team responsible for the Malaysian Grand Prix, which has caused much controversy over the years, partially down to the extreme weather conditions that has been seen over the years.



Position last year: 86

Age: 56

Bio: Ex F1 Driver and one of the most respected journalists.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 35

Bio: One of the great drivers who has so often played the supporting role, but really seems to be in his comfort zone at Williams.



Position last year: 49

Age: 67

Bio: Subrata Roy is an Indian businessman responsible for Sahara India. Reputedly looking to release his stake in the team if the right buyer comes along.



Position last year: 84

Age: Unknown

Bio: From British American Tobacco to Diageo, Gary has experienced all there is to experience in sponsorships. The company continues where they started at McLaren with the Johnnie Walker brand, but have since signed deals with FOM and at Force India with the Smirnoff brand.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 57

Bio: Bob is Vijay Mallya’s right hand man and close friend. One of the key decision makers at Force India



Position last year: 94

Age: 49

Bio: Probably the most respected business journalist in the sport.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 53

Bio: Sponsor of the Singapore Grand Prix and Sauber F1 Team. Rumoured to be looking at bigger opportunities within the sport.



Position last year: 83

Age: Unknown

Bio: Irvine started and still runs one of the most popular F1 after parties. Sister of ex-driver Eddie Irvine and close friends with many team owners and drivers alike.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 62

Bio: “Pat” Symonds is a British motor racing engineer currently the Chief Technical Officer at Williams Grand Prix Engineering, having previously worked at the Benetton, Renault and Virgin Formula One teams.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 36

Bio: Mercedes obviously think he’s a real talent and with their recent results, who could blame them.



Position last year: New to the list

Age: 62

Bio: Back in the sport after many years. A highly respected individual in the sport who took a break after many years with McLaren.


Formula.Voyage is packed with essential information about every Formula 1 Grand Prix

Formula.Voyage provides everything the visitors, VIP’s and motorsport professionals need to know about: travel Information, first class venue tickets, venue access, security services, private aircraft facilities, private air charter, helicopter transfer services, limousine services, best hotels, best restaurants, VIP hospitality services, corporate hospitality services, networking opportunities, night life, yacht charter and luxury shopping.




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