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Seidl to start McLaren role in May

Published on 12 Feb 2019 10:58
4
By: Fergal Walsh

McLaren has confirmed that its new managing director Andreas Seidl will start his new role on May 1, 2019. McLaren confirmed in January that Seidl would join it and manage the Formula 1 team, who is looking to return to winning ways.

"We're delighted that Andreas is able to join the team on 1 May," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. "This enables us to continue the momentum of our recovery plan and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to McLaren.”

Before joining McLaren, Seidl worked as the team principal for Porsche in the World Endurance Championship. The role will mark Seidl's first F1 job in 12 years, as he previously worked at BMW from 2000 to 20006, and then at BMW Sauber as its head of track operations until 2009.

McLaren endured a tough 2018 season, failing to successfully develop the car. It ended the year competing at the back of the grid, and will run an all-new line-up of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris this year.

"This is an enormous privilege and challenge, which I am ready for and committed to," Seidl said of his appointment. "To have an opportunity to contribute to the McLaren legacy is extremely special and inspiring."

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Replies (4)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
McLaren is kinda on a roll with things. The deal with BAT along with a few minor sponsors, sniping Seidl and Key (another Key person RBR/STR wasted... huhuhu)... Im no McLaren fan anymore, but I am looking with interest at what they are doing. And meanwhile, Honda's been doing the same kinda progress: their deal with IHI and counseling from Ilmor combined with bigger workforces on their F1 project are all positives. A good example of a happy divorce, it seems.
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- Feb 12 2019 - 18:04
- Kean
  
  Posts: 692
  Last 6 years McLaren has disappointed (and pissed me off), but I can't stop being a fan (thanks to Mika who was my first F1 hero). I agree that things seem to be on a roll, with recruitments and sponsors. Also, I watched Marc Priestly on Youtube and got a pretty good explanation of what went wrong with the car last year, I have high hopes that they've improved greatly over the winter, I also have high hopes in the new Renault PU. If I'm lucky we could see McLaren battling Renault for 4th this year.
  + 0
  
  Feb 12 2019 - 20:16
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Mmm, 4th is unlikely. Again, Renault were really lucky last year, I don't think they can rely on luck for 2019. Especially with Sauber on the rise, STR getting RB boost, and Haas maybe not taffing it up again, while Force India hopefully get to keep their points this time. I do however hope we'll get to see Renault vs McLaren.
  + 0
  
  Feb 12 2019 - 20:40
- Kean
  
  Posts: 692
  This is what I’m crossing my fingers for, in regards to pecking order:
  
  Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull
  Renault, McLaren
  Alfa Romeo, Racing Point, Toro Rosso
  Haas, Williams
  + 0
  
  Feb 12 2019 - 20:54