Credit: Photo by Joost Evers / Anefo, via Nationaal Archief (CC0)
Credit: Photo by Joost Evers / Anefo, via Nationaal Archief (CC0)
F1 has been a sport where talent behind the wheel can translate into leadership off the track.
Many drivers made the leap from racing to management, some of them, even won championships.
However, these stories highlight not just their racing skill, winning titles, but also vision, resilence and the business acumen needed to survive in the high-stakes world of F1.
Jack Brabham
A driver who won three titles in F1, became a team manager.
He remains the only driver in history of F1 to win the title in a car bearing his own name.
In 1962, Brabham created his own team, with Ron Tauranac, a designeer.
It did not took long, the team quickly became competitive, Brabham remained actively involved in F1 until his retirement in 1970.
After stepping away, he sold his stake to Tauranac, but the legacy of Brabham in F1 persisted for decades.
Graham Hill
A legend who left too soon, he established his own team, Embassy Hill in 1973, not only managed the team but drove for it over three seasons.
Tragically in late 1975, Hill, along with several team members, lost their lives in a plane crash, bringing an abrubt end to his ambitious project.
Despite its short existence, Embassy Hill is remembered as a bold step by a driver who wanted to control his destiny both on and off the track.
Emerson Fittipaldi
The hero of Brazil and the first Brazilian winner in Formula 1 at Glen Watkins, two-time world champion, took an unconventional route by leaving McLaren at the peak of his career in 1976 to join Fittipaldi Automotive, a team founded by his brother Wilson.
His move was fueled by a desire to grow his family’s team and to race in a car carrying the family name.
Emerson remained with the team until his retirement in 1980 and later transitioned into management roles, continuing to influence motorsport from behind the scenes.
Alain Prost
Alain Prost, widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time and known for his rivalry with Senna at the end of ’80s.
He started his own team, In 1997, Ligier team, rebranding it as Prost GP, despite early promise, the team struggled financially and eventually disbanded in 2001.
Prost later returned to F1 in advisory and non-executive roles with Renault, which later became Alpine, was involved also in Formule E.
Jackie Stewart: Building a Legacy Off the Track
Jackie Stewart, a three-time world champion in F1, took a bold step of co-founding Stewart GP, with his son Paul in 1996.
Winning a race in 1999 at Nurburgring, fighting in many races at the front, Stewart did amazing job during his time as team boss in F1.
However, the team was sold to Ford, rebranded as Jaguar Racing, then later sold to Red Bull racing in 2004.
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Eddie Jordan
Eddie Jordan began his racing career competing in various junior and national series, recognizing his talent lay in building teams rather than winning championship, he founded Eddie Jordan Racing in the early ’80s.
Jordan’s vision brought the team into F1 in 1991, as Jordan GP, which became known for its spirited underdog mentality and bold decisions on and off the track.
He signed Michael Schumacher in 1991, didn’t took long for other teams to go after him, a driver who later became the most successful of all-time.
The team achieved several podiums and victories, close to win the championship in 1999 with Frentzen.
Jordan sold it in 2005, his efforts lives on today through what has evolved into the Aston Martin F1 team.
Christian Horner
Before becoming a household name in F1 management, Christian Horner raced in junior categories, including Formula Renault and Formula 3.
His transition to management came in 1999, when he founded Arden International, a team competing in Formula 3000.
Horner’s strategic mind and relentless work ethic earned him the role of Team Pricncipal at Red Bull in 2005.
With Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and Verstappen from 2021 to 2024, he left Red Bull in mid-season in 2025.
Under his leadership, Red Bull transformed into a dominant force, capturing multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, solidifying Horner’s reputation as one of the sport’s most influental team principals.
Gerhard Berger
Gerhard Berger, took his deep knowledge of racing into team management after retiring from active driving.
Between 2006 and 2008, Berger served as a co-owner of Toro Rosso, Red Bull Racing’s little sister.
His experience as a competitor gave him invaluable insight into car development, driver mentoring, team dynamics, helping nurture young talent and improve performance in a highly competitive environment.
Let’s not forget about signing Sebastian Vettel and winning their first race in F1 in 2008 at Monza, the driver who was promoted to Red Bull in 2009.
Jacky Ickx: From F1 Contender to Formula E Leadership
Jacky Ickx, continued his involvement in motorsport long after retiring from driving.
After decades Ickx, led the Venturi Formula E team.
His leadership helped the team develop strategy, nurture young talent and adapt to the unique challenges of Formula E, proving that experience on the track translates to effective guidance off it.
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What can we say more?
Stories of Brabham, Hill, Fittipaldi and others, highlight a fascinating chapter in F1 history.
Moving from the driver’s seat to the manager’s office requires a different set of skills, vision, leadership, but for these champions, the transition allowed them to continue shaping the sport they loved.
Their legacies remind us that greatness in F1 isn’t limited to what happens on the track, it also lies in the boardrooms, garages, and strategy rooms where decisions shape the future of racing.
