Former Porsche LMP1 boss joins McLaren

Former Team Principal of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship LMP1 programme Andreas Seidl has joined McLaren as Managing Director of the Formula 1 team.

The German will report to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and have responsibility for all aspects of the team’s racing programme.

Seidl’s most recent work has been in WEC, but he has previous experience in F1, having been involved with BMW Motorsport from 2000 to 2006, and was head of track operations for BMW Sauber until 2009.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Brown said: “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. 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.”

Seidl added: “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.”

McLaren’s management team has been through a period of restructuring over the last year as the team tries to move back towards the sharp end of the F1 grid. A new management structure was announced in April, while Gil de Ferran arrived as Sporting Director in May before Racing Director Eric Boullier left the team in July.

Seidl’s arrival has been described by McLaren as the latest step in the team’s recovery plan, and part of its long term strategy for F1 success.