Ted and Crofty's top 10 team principals picks of 2023 - Part One

Ted Kravitz and David Croft join for our latest pod to rank the top ten best team principals of the 2023 season, starting from 10-6 in this part one.

**Navigating the World of Formula One Team Principals: A Comprehensive Analysis**

In this captivating podcast episode, Ted Kravitz and David Croft join forces to embark on a journey through the realm of Formula One team principals, meticulously ranking the top ten individuals who steered their teams through the 2023 season. With their expertise and experience in the sport, they dissect each team principal's performance, offering insightful commentary and engaging discussions.

**Deconstructing the Role of a Team Principal**

Before delving into the rankings, the trio establishes the key criteria they will use to evaluate the team principals. These criteria encompass leadership, technical performance, human resource management, and media and sponsorship duties. They recognize that the role of a team principal has evolved over time, shifting from team owners to individuals navigating the complexities of modern Formula One, often balancing the demands of ownership and the expectations of the team.

**Unveiling the Top Performers**

As they embark on the ranking process, the trio begins with the team that finished last in the 2023 season: Haas, led by Gunther Steiner. Steiner's media presence and ability to explain complex technical issues to the public earn him praise. However, his technical leadership and decision-making regarding car upgrades draw criticism, resulting in a lower ranking for technical performance.

Moving on to Alfa Romeo, represented by Alessandro Alunibravi, the discussion centers around his limited visibility and perceived anonymity within the paddock. While he receives credit for managing human resources effectively, his involvement in technical and media-related aspects is deemed insufficient, leading to a lower overall ranking.

Franz Tost, the departing team principal of Alpha Tauri, garners admiration for his passion, honesty, and dedication to the team. His ability to identify and address technical issues during the season is acknowledged, as is his leadership in motivating his team. However, his tendency to work excessively and his limited freedom to make decisions due to the influence of Red Bull's management structure result in a mixed assessment.

**Highlighting Exceptional Leadership**

The trio reserves special recognition for Christian Horner of Red Bull and Toto Wolff of Mercedes, acknowledging their exceptional leadership skills. Horner's ability to navigate the political landscape of Formula One and his strategic decision-making are lauded. Wolff's leadership in transforming Mercedes into a dominant force, his driver management, and his technical prowess are highly praised.

**Assessing Technical Brilliance**

In the realm of technical performance, Adrian Newey of Red Bull stands out as a visionary engineer whose innovative designs have revolutionized the sport. His contributions to the team's success are undeniable, earning him a top ranking in this category.

**Recognizing Media and Sponsorship Prowess**

When it comes to media and sponsorship duties, Zak Brown of McLaren is singled out for his exceptional skills. His charisma, eloquence, and ability to connect with fans and sponsors make him a valuable asset to his team.

**Celebrating the Human Touch**

In the area of human resource management, Andreas Seidl of Sauber is commended for his ability to create a harmonious and productive work environment. His leadership in fostering team unity and managing driver relationships is recognized as a key factor in Sauber's progress.

**Controversy and Insights**

The podcast also delves into controversial moments and insightful observations. The trio discusses the impact of social media on team principals, with some expressing concerns about the blurring of boundaries and the potential for reputational damage. They also highlight the importance of team principals maintaining a healthy work-life balance, acknowledging the demanding nature of the role.

**The Takeaway: Embracing Diversity and Evolution**

In conclusion, the podcast emphasizes the evolving nature of the team principal role in Formula One. The trio stresses the importance of diversity in leadership, recognizing that different backgrounds and perspectives can contribute to a team's success. They also acknowledge that the role of a team principal is constantly adapting to the changing landscape of the sport, requiring individuals who can navigate both the technical and human aspects of Formula One.

As the podcast draws to a close, the trio reiterates their appreciation for the contributions of all team principals, recognizing their pivotal role in the success of their respective teams and the overall spectacle of Formula One.

# Formula One Team Principals Rankings 2023: Part 1

## Introduction

- Ted Kravitz and David Croft join the podcast to rank the top ten team principals of the 2023 season, starting from 10-6 in this first part.

## Franz Tost (AlphaTauri)

- Tost was ranked 8th out of 10 by Kravitz, 24th by Croft, and 19th by the guest speaker.
- Tost's leadership was questioned after he publicly criticized his aero engineers and made controversial statements about his drivers' strategies.
- His HR skills were also scrutinized due to the high turnover of drivers at AlphaTauri during his tenure.
- Despite these criticisms, Tost was praised for his technical expertise and his ability to extract the most out of his team with limited resources.

## James Vowles (Williams)

- Vowles was ranked 5th by Kravitz, 33rd by Croft, and 27th by the guest speaker.
- Vowles' first season in charge at Williams was seen as a success, with the team finishing 7th in the constructors' championship.
- He was praised for his technical expertise, HR skills, and leadership, as well as his ability to communicate with the media and fans.
- Vowles was credited with bringing a fresh perspective and a new approach to Williams, and is seen as a potential future team principal of a top team.

## Bruno Famin (Alpine)

- Famin was ranked 10th by Kravitz, 18th by Croft, and 16th by the guest speaker.
- Famin took over as interim team principal at Alpine following the departure of Otmar Szafnauer mid-season.
- His technical background and experience in motorsport were seen as strengths, but he was criticized for his lack of experience in a team principal role.
- Famin's leadership and HR skills were also questioned, and he was seen as a placeholder until a permanent team principal could be found.
- The team's performance did not improve significantly under Famin's leadership, and there were concerns about the team's direction and investment in the future.

## Conclusion

- The podcast discussion provided an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of three Formula One team principals: Franz Tost, James Vowles, and Bruno Famin.
- The rankings and commentary from the speakers offered valuable insights into the challenges and successes of these team principals in the 2023 season.
- The discussion also highlighted the importance of leadership, technical expertise, HR skills, and communication in the role of a Formula One team principal.