With a mere 20 spots available on the F1 grid, the competition is incredibly intense. Since the first Formula 1 race at Silverstone in 1950, only 776 drivers have been able to call themselves F1 grand prix drivers.
Given the limited number of grid positions, having the right support to secure a drive and foster an environment conducive to success is essential.
The majority of today’s F1 drivers operate with the backing of a management team, whose various roles allow them to focus fully on their driving performance for their teams.
Graeme Lowdon, the ex-CEO of the Virgin and Marussia F1 teams, now heads Equals Management alongside former racing driver-turned-manager Marc Hynes. Together, they manage the careers of drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Zhou Guanyu.
Lowdon emphasizes that his management approach for Zhou centers on ensuring that his driver can focus solely on his F1 responsibilities.
“We utilize what we term a 360-degree approach,” he explained to Motorsport.com. “This entails overseeing any potential distractions for a driver, which includes logistics, contract negotiations, sponsorships, health, nutrition, and tax arrangements.”
“While we can’t be experts in every area, we collaborate with trusted partners who are experienced in these fields. A situation could arise where a driver feels stressed due to some life management issue, and if it’s beyond our control, it can negatively impact performance.”
Graeme Lowdon, head of CEFC Manor
Photo by: Rainier Ehrhardt
“The essential goal of management is to cultivate an environment that maximizes an athlete’s performance.”
“Marc has been a pioneer of this method with Lewis Hamilton, and we strive to adopt a similar model with Zhou. While some drivers only seek management for contract negotiations and may engage a third party for that purpose, our strategy differs, which is why we represent so few drivers.”
Lowdon believes that understanding how a driver spends their leisure time is critical, as it can significantly impact negotiation terms.
He added: “Some management firms handle numerous drivers, effectively trading knowledge, but this doesn’t always yield the best results for the athlete. Many young drivers face common challenges, and some situations are entirely new to them, making coordination crucial, especially when dealing with F1 contracts.”
“For instance, we recognize how a specific driver performs best with a particular entourage—if his contract doesn’t take that into account, it could lead to ongoing disputes with the team over matters like his grandfather’s access passes.”
“Another example involves negotiating extensive sponsorship obligations with the team, potentially causing a mismatch with a driver’s personal sponsor commitments.”
“Typically, sponsorship deals for drivers are divided between racing and personal contexts, where a driver in full race gear has a different image than one lounging at home. If everything aligns smoothly, you could end up selling a personal sponsorship without enough obligations remaining for the driver to fulfill it.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing with his manager Raymond Vermeulen
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Who manages who in the F1 paddock?
Max Verstappen – Raymond Vermeulen (manager)
Vermeulen has been a pivotal figure in Verstappen’s career since his debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 at age 17. Having worked with Verstappen’s father Jos in F1, it was a natural decision to enlist him to guide Max’s career. Vermeulen manages Verstappen’s daily affairs, addressing his tasks and presenting key decisions to both Max and his father, leaving the final call with Max.
Sergio Perez – Julian Jakobi (agent), Luis Alberto Aguirre (manager)
Pierre’s management strategy involves two key figures. The seasoned Jakobi has managed the careers of legendary F1 names such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, while Aguirre acts as Perez’s day-to-day manager, accompanying him on race weekends.
Lewis Hamilton – Marc Hynes (manager)
Former racing driver Hynes handles Hamilton’s daily management within Project 44, alongside a dedicated team managing his non-racing PR and a lawyer focused on contractual oversight, resulting in a relatively small but effective support structure.
George Russell – Mercedes and Harry Soden (management)
Russell remains under Mercedes’ umbrella as a product of their junior program. However, Soden, a director at Infinity Sports Management and with over a decade of experience working with Russell, leads his negotiations.
Oscar Piastri – Jam Management (management team)
The management team behind Piastri includes Jason Allen and Mark Webber, leveraging their extensive experience in F1. Allen, with a strong background in building organizations, chairs Jam Sports Management.
Lando Norris – ADD Management (management team)
Norris has collaborated with Mark Berryman and Fraser Sheader, who both transitioned from karting to management. Berryman attends most races to support Norris and facilitate his connection with McLaren.
Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari, his manager, Nicolas Todt, arrive at the circuit
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Charles Leclerc – All Road Management (management team)
Leclerc’s management primarily revolves around Nicolas Todt, son of the former Ferrari team principal and FIA President, Jean Todt. Nicolas has also guided former F1 drivers including Daniil Kvyat and Felipe Massa.
Carlos Sainz – Carlos Onoro Sainz (manager)
Sainz chooses to keep his management close to home, appointing his cousin as his manager. He also seeks advice from his father regarding significant decisions, including his protracted move to Williams for the 2025 season.
Fernando Alonso – Flavio Briatore (manager)
Alonso founded his management company, A14 Management, with trusted associates Albert Resclosa and Alberto Fernandez, yet he has remained under the management of Briatore for many years. Briatore is currently involved with Alpine while Alonso drives for Aston Martin.
Lance Stroll – Steve O’Connor and Mel Hoppenheim (management team)
Given that Stroll’s father owns the team he drives for, formal management needs are minimal. However, he has strategic advisors assisting him.
Nico Hulkenberg – Raoul Spengler (manager)
After a split from Michael Schumacher’s former manager Willi Weber in 2011, Hulkenberg enlisted Spengler’s assistance in March 2018. Spengler previously managed media and communications for professional surfer Sebastian Steudtner.
Kevin Magnussen – Himself
Following a challenging split with his manager Dorte Riis Madsen, the Dane has taken control of his own career management. After being dropped by Haas, he is now in search of a seat for the upcoming F1 season.
Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, arrives at the track with his manager Blake Friend and Performance Coach Pyry Salmela
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Daniel Ricciardo – CAA (agent), Blake Friend (manager)
Ricciardo’s management structure is divided, with CAA handling his commercial interests while Blake Friend manages his career. Ricciardo’s business ventures are among the most publicly engaged in F1.
Yuki Tsunoda – Mario Miyakawa and Luis Alvarez (management team), Takashi Usami (operations/finance)
Contrary to some assumptions, Tsunoda’s management team, not Red Bull, facilitates his day-to-day operations and negotiations.
Valtteri Bottas – Didier Coton (manager)
Bottas works with Coton of Aces Management Group, supportive of many former drivers, having built essential relationships with team management and major sponsors.
Zhou Guanyu – Graeme Lowdon and Marc Hynes (management team)
Lowdon and Hynes oversee all aspects of Zhou’s career through Equals Management, allowing him to dedicate his energies to his driving with Sauber.
Logan Sargeant – Gary Catt (manager)
Sargeant collaborates with Catt of Infinity Sports Management, sharing the same agency as Russell. Catt has a solid foundation in karting and managing drivers.
Alex Albon – Jacques Heckstall-Smith (manager)
Albon has entrusted Grip Sports Management to handle his affairs, with Heckstall-Smith leading the team, who has also held roles in communication management at Red Bull and Williams.
Esteban Ocon, Force India, Gwen Lagrue
Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Esteban Ocon – Gwen Lagrue (manager)
Ocon maintains a close relationship with Lagrue, who manages Mercedes’ young driver program and scouts talent for the F1 team, establishing a strong management link.
Pierre Gasly – Guillaume Le Goff (manager)
Gasly is under the management of Le Goff from The Grid Agency, who boasts over 16 years of motorsport experience, having started as a race engineer for numerous drivers in F1.
