The ex Porsche chief, Andreas Seidl has been appointed as the Managing Director of McLaren.
The appointment of a new chief at McLaren comes just three days after the rivals, Ferrari also announced their leadership change that saw Maurizio Arrivabene ousted and Mattia Binotto taking his place.
In an announcement made on the official website of McLaren Racing, it stated:
The move is the latest step in the team’s F1 performance recovery plan and restructure
Andreas Seidl will be reporting to the current McLaren CEO, Zak Brown.
Porsche achieved immense success in the World Endurance Championship as well as the 24 House of Le Mans under the leadership of Andreas Seidl. The new McLaren chief has also worked in the capacity of Head of Track Operations with BMW-Sauber until 2009 in Formula 1. Prior to that, he worked with the Williams-BMW team as well. Having significant amount of experience and a lot of success both in F1 and WEC, Mr. Seidl is a fresh addition to the McLaren leadership.
McLaren CEO, Zak Brown commented that, "We are delighted that Andreas is joining McLaren to lead our F1 technical and operational programme. This is a significant appointment for us on two fronts.
"First, it is another important step in our F1 performance recovery plan and long-term commitment to F1." said Brown.
He continued, "Second, concentrated senior leadership on our F1 programme is an integral part of the long-term strategy of McLaren Racing to expand into other forms of global motorsport over time.
"Andreas is a highly capable leader with a track record of success in everything he has been involved with, and I look forward to working with him."
The coveted British outfit based in Woking, will be having a fresh start to its 2019 F1 campaign with not only a brand new drivers' line-up consisting of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, but a new Managing Director as well. McLaren went through a miserable year in 2018, ending 2nd last in terms of pace and finishing just 6th in the standings.
But with the new appointments and changes to the team, it now looks forward to have a strong season ahead. Previous head of McLaren's F1 operations, Eric Boullier stepped down from his role mid-season last year. The move came as part of a major reshuffling program after Eric failed to put the team back on the right track.
Andreas Seidl, the new boss at McLaren, commented on the occasion that,
To have an opportunity to contribute to the McLaren legacy is extremely special and inspiring
Andreas Seidl further stated that , "This is an enormous privilege and challenge, which I am ready for and committed to. To have an opportunity to contribute to the McLaren legacy is extremely special and inspiring.
“McLaren has the vision, leadership and experience but, most importantly, the people to return to the front, and that will be my absolute focus and mission.
I can’t wait to join the team and begin working with my colleagues at McLaren, our partners at Renault and, of course, Carlos and Lando." said Seidl.
McLaren is all set to unveil its MCL34 for the 2019 season on February 14th. Just 4 days before the official winter testing begins in Barcelona.
Farhan Khurram
CEO, Cofounder, Editor-in-Chief
In his own words, “A nature photographer, avid writer & 3D designer. Formula 1 & Aviation gets my adrenaline rush.”
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