
“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. “First, it is another important step in our F1 performance recovery plan and long-term commitment to F1. This is a significant appointment for us on two fronts,” added Brown. “We are delighted that Andreas is joining McLaren to lead our F1 technical and operational programme. It will also field a revised driver line-up of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris in 2019 following the retirement of double world champion Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne’s departure due to poor results.

Other headline departures included chief technical officer Tim Goss and engineering director Matt Morris, with Seidl becoming McLaren’s fourth new appointment since last July. Having switched to Renault engines following a disastrous spell powered by Honda at the start of F1’s V6 hybrid era, McLaren ultimately went on to improve to a sixth-place finish in last year’s constructors’ standings. Seidl’s signing marks the latest change to McLaren’s F1 management structure, following Eric Boullier’s resignation last summer amid a below-par start to the 2018 campaign. McLaren acknowledged the move is its latest step in the team’s “recovery plan and restructure”, with new technical director James Key also set to join McLaren later in 2019, following on from the re-hiring of Pat Fry as engineering director. “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.” “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. “To have an opportunity to contribute to the McLaren legacy is extremely special and inspiring. “This is an enormous privilege and challenge, which I am ready for and committed to,” said Seidl.
