Formula 1 has seen countless legends over its 75-year history, but only a select few have truly shaped the sport into what it is today. From visionary team founders to technical masterminds and transformative leaders, these individuals have left an undeniable mark on F1’s past, present, and future.
We’ve taken a closer look at the key figures who have defined the sport and ranked them among the 15 most influential people in Formula 1 history.
Enzo Ferrari
Photo: WIkicommons.com
As the founder of Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s legacy is inseparable from Formula 1. His iconic red cars and the legendary Scuderia team continue to shape the sport decades after his passing in 1988. Ferrari remains a symbol of prestige, passion, and performance that still draws the best drivers in the world.
By Ben Sutherland from Crystal Palace, London, UK – Professor Sid Watkins displays his tribute plate from the Formula One drivers of the 1985 season, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155075614
Professor Sid Watkins revolutionized F1 safety during a time of frequent fatalities. Appointed as the sport’s first official doctor in 1978, he introduced life-saving innovations like medical centers at circuits and the Medical Car. His impact continues to be felt in today’s safety protocols.
By Matthew Lamb – FoS20162016_0626_105537AA, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49763509
Ron Dennis transformed McLaren into a dominant force during the 1980s and 1990s. Under his leadership, the team secured 17 of their 21 total championships, attracting legends like Senna, Prost, and Hamilton. His exacting standards shaped a golden era for the team.
Adrian Newey
Photo: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com
One of the greatest car designers in F1 history, Adrian Newey has created championship-winning machines for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. His technical genius helped deliver titles to both Vettel and Verstappen. In 2024, his high-profile move to Aston Martin made headlines across the sport.
Stefano Domenicali
Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com
Currently serving as President and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali has guided the sport into a dynamic new era. A former Ferrari Team Principal, he also held leadership roles at Audi and Lamborghini. His experience across motorsport makes him one of its key visionaries.
Gordon Murray
Sarnia / Shutterstock.com
Gordon Murray is behind some of F1’s most groundbreaking cars, including the Brabham BT46B “fan car” and the McLaren MP4/4. His creative engineering helped secure titles for Piquet and later success with McLaren. Murray remains a symbol of technical innovation in racing.
The founder of Williams Racing, Frank Williams built one of F1’s most successful teams with grit and vision. Despite a life-changing accident in 1986, he continued to lead the squad to major success, including seven Drivers’ and nine Constructors’ Championships. His legacy lives on in the name.
Colin Chapman
Photo: Wikicommons.com
Lotus founder Colin Chapman was a true innovator in F1 design. From introducing monocoque chassis to pioneering ground effect, Chapman’s ideas changed the sport. His engineering brilliance powered Lotus to multiple titles and redefined how teams approached car performance.
Bernie Ecclestone
Michael Cola / Shutterstock.com
Bernie Ecclestone took F1 from a niche sport to a global spectacle. As the architect of the Formula One Group, he revolutionized the sport’s commercial side, brokering TV rights and global deals. His business acumen shaped the modern face of Formula 1.
Max Mosley
Photo: Wikicommons.com
As FIA President from 1993 to 2009, Max Mosley led a wave of regulatory and safety reforms. Formerly a racer and team owner, he helped enforce standards that improved driver protection and modernized the sport. His tenure left a lasting institutional footprint.
Ross Brawn has excelled as a technical mastermind and team leader. From title wins with Benetton and Ferrari to the fairytale success of Brawn GP in 2009, he later helped shape the hybrid-era dominance of Mercedes. Brawn also guided the sport’s direction as F1’s Managing Director of Motorsports.
Jean Todt
sbonsi / Shutterstock.com
Jean Todt spearheaded Ferrari’s resurgence in the early 2000s, forming a powerhouse alongside Schumacher and Brawn. The Frenchman later became FIA President, promoting safety and sustainability across motorsport. His influence bridged both the competitive and regulatory sides of F1.
Christian Horner
Photo: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com
Christian Horner became the youngest team principal in F1 history when he took over Red Bull in 2005. Since then, he has led the team to eight Drivers’ and six Constructors’ Championships. Horner’s leadership has been instrumental in Red Bull’s rise to dominance.
Toto Wolff
Photo: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com
As the face of Mercedes’ incredible run from 2014 to 2021, Toto Wolff oversaw eight consecutive Constructors’ titles and multiple Drivers’ Championships. With a sharp mind for both business and racing, he transformed the Silver Arrows into one of the most dominant dynasties ever seen in F1.
Susie Wolff has blazed a trail for women in motorsport. After becoming the first female to participate in an F1 weekend since 1992, she moved into leadership roles, eventually heading F1 Academy. Her work continues to expand opportunities for girls and women across racing.
