Hakkinen heads back to McLaren as 'partner ambassador'

40

Mika Hakkinen is heading back to the team which brought him his two world championships, joining McLaren as a 'partner ambassador'.

The 48-year-old Finn enjoyed a nine-year spell with McLaren, running in 130 Grand Prix and collecting 20 race wins. He will now work alongside company executive Zak Brown as well as with McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt.

"I've always considered McLaren to be my home in Formula 1, and I still have an enormous place in my heart for everyone in the team," said the Finn, a 20-time grand prix winner.

"Of course, the past few years for McLaren haven't been easy, but I've always believed that it's only a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' McLaren will come good again – and I want to play my part in helping that happen.

McLaren approaches Mercedes for engine supply!

"Returning to McLaren was an easy decision for me – I've never really lost contact, and I still know a lot of the hard-working men and women there from my eight-and-a-bit seasons with the team.

"I'm also really looking forward to working with Zak, who owns one of my race-winning McLarens from 2001.

"We've spoken about how we can work together, and I can see that he's putting in place the building blocks needed to help McLaren get back to the front.

"I'll be collaborating closely with him during the exciting years ahead."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.