Six Leadership Lessons from Formula 1 by Mark Wager

Six Leadership Lessons from Formula 1

By Mark Wager

The best leaders are learners. They have a desire to discover ways in which they can become better leaders, and they are the most passionate. Learners look for any example of excellence, regardless of the industry in which that excellence occurs, because they understand that where you find excellence, you will find valuable lessons. In this week’s article, I want to explore the world of Formula One, which this weekend marks the start of the 2025 season.

Formula One is a multi-billion-dollar business with major corporations such as Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull investing millions to compete for the Constructors’ Championship. The best drivers in the world, in cars reaching speeds of over 350 km/h, compete against each other in 24 races across the globe. It’s a high-pressure, highly competitive environment and a great place to learn lessons that can help any leader.

1. Embrace the Quest for Marginal Gains

“You don’t expect to be top of the mountain the day you start climbing.” — Ron Dennis

In Formula One, the difference between winning and losing can be measured in fractions of a second, which means that innovation becomes an incredibly valuable commodity. When “innovation” is mentioned, it’s often associated with revolutionary new ideas that change everything. Yet what Formula One demonstrates is the value of marginal gains—small, incremental improvements that, when accumulated, create a significant advantage.

A typical Formula One car has approximately 4,000–5,000 specially designed parts, and during a five-month season, around 3,000 of those parts will be changed, improved, or modernised. This relentless pursuit of small refinements is what defines the winners. The motto of Red Bull Racing sums it up: “Be brave and do things differently.”

In leadership, the same principle applies. Instead of waiting for a groundbreaking idea, focus on consistent, small improvements—whether in communication, decision-making, or team processes. The leaders who understand this are the ones who build long-term success.

2. Teamwork = Clarity + Trust + Execution

“When you race to win, second or third place is not enough.” — Ayrton Senna

One of the best examples of teamwork in any industry is found in Formula One pit stops. During a race, drivers push their cars to the limit, and at some point, they must stop for fresh tyres, fuel, or adjustments. A team of mechanics does all this in under three seconds.

The key to this remarkable feat is the formula of teamwork:

1. Clarity of roles – Each person has a specific job. It takes four people to change each wheel, someone to wipe the driver’s visor, and others to handle refuelling and adjustments. Everyone knows exactly what they need to do.

2. Trust – A single mistake can ruin a race. The pit crew must trust each other and the driver must trust the team. The technician operating the jack stands in front of a car approaching at 80 km/h, relying entirely on the driver’s precision.

3. Execution – A typical pit crew will practice 70–80 times every race weekend to perfect their routine, because they know that even the smallest delay can cost them the race.

Leaders should take note. When a team has clear roles, complete trust, and executes at a high level, they become unstoppable.

3. Know Your Finishing Line

“What’s behind you doesn’t matter.” — Enzo Ferrari

One of the most attractive aspects of Formula One is its absolute clarity on success—the driver who crosses the finish line first is the winner. This certainty makes it easier for teams to stay focused on the ultimate goal.

Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez explained this in an interview: “Red Bull is a vast team, and you can see the passion in it for winning. Everyone who works here, their mindset is about winning. Winning, winning, winning. Winning is everything.”

Outside of sport, success is often less defined, which leads to confusion. If different people have different ideas of what success looks like, it’s hard to align a team’s efforts. As a leader, you must set a clear goal—whether it’s a sales target, a performance milestone, or a market expansion. What matters is that the team understands what success looks like and can measure their progress.

4. It’s Not About You, It’s About the Team

When Max Verstappen won the world championship last year, the media focused on him. While Verstappen’s skill is undeniable, his success was a collective effort. Behind every race win are:

• A pit crew that delivers flawless stops.

• Engineers and mechanics who perfect the car.

• Data analysts who optimise race strategy.

• Trainers, marketers, and factory staff who all contribute.

Altogether, over 1,000 people play a role in a driver’s success.

Like a Formula One driver, a leader is only as strong as their team. Leadership is not about individual glory—it’s about ensuring that every team member is empowered to perform at their best. The best leaders remove obstacles, provide clarity, and create an environment where success is possible.

5. Identify the Right Mentality

“Once something is a passion, the motivation is there.” — Michael Schumacher

Talent alone is not enough. Formula One drivers have a unique mindset, often described as having a “fighter pilot mentality.” They thrive under extreme pressure, make split-second decisions, and remain laser-focused.

Leaders should take the same approach when building their teams. Beyond skills and experience, ask:

• Does this person thrive under pressure?

• Are they driven by continuous improvement?

• Do they align with our culture and values?

A high-performance culture starts with hiring the right mentality, not just the right skillset.

6. Dealing with Negativity

“The higher you rise, the sharper the knives.” — Christian Horner

Formula One is not just about speed—it’s about handling relentless criticism and pressure. Teams and drivers are under constant scrutiny from the media, sponsors, and fans. When things go wrong, criticism is immediate and often brutal.

This is a lesson for leaders. The higher you go, the more criticism you will face.

• Learn to filter feedback – Not all criticism is valid. Differentiate between constructive feedback and noise.

• Stay focused on the goal – Drivers don’t dwell on the past; they focus on the next race. Leaders should do the same.

• Surround yourself with supporters – Even the best drivers rely on a team that believes in them. Leaders need mentors, peers, and a trusted inner circle to keep them grounded.

Success attracts negativity, but how you respond to it determines your long-term success.

Lead Like a Champion

Formula One is a sport of extreme competition, but it is also a masterclass in leadership. The lessons it offers—embracing small improvements, defining success, trusting your team, hiring the right mentality, and handling criticism—apply to leaders in any industry.

As a leader, ask yourself: Are you making marginal gains? Do your team members trust each other? Does everyone know the finishing line? Do you have the right mentality? Are you prepared for criticism?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then you’re not just leading—you’re leading like a champion.