Top Porsche racing man Seidl heading to Formula 1

Andreas Seidl, the man who led Porsche's LMP1 charge in the World Endurance Championship, is on his way to McLaren according to reports in the media.

Seidl spearheaded the German manufacturer's efforts in the WEC with the ultra-successful Porsche 919 Hybrid from 2014 to the team's retreat from the series at the end of 2017.

Upon the termination of Porsche's LMP1 programme, Seidl was entrusted with the manufacturer's Formula E project, while it was also anticipated that he would lead the marque's motorsport department.

However, Seidl resigned from Porsche last month, a move justified by the 42-year-old's decision to accept a senior role in F1 at McLaren according to both Motorsport.com and Crash.net.

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McLaren underwent several management changes last summer, with racing director Eric Boullier departing the team and Gil de Ferran nominated as sporting director.

It's likely Seidl will be positioned in an executive role covering the entire team's management structure, perhaps alleviating some of CEO Zak Brown's day-to-day F1 responsibilities in light of McLaren's future diversification plans.

Seidel is no stranger to Formula 1, having been involved with the BMW Sauber team between 2009 and 2009, before working for BMW in the DTM series.

During his time at Porsche, Seidl worked closely with former Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley, the Kiwi securing two WEC titles under his boss' guidance as well as a win at Le Mans.

"I have a huge amount of respect for Andreas, I learned a lot from him," Hartley said.

"He was definitely the best team principal I’ve ever worked with, and was an integral part of the LMP1 programme, and I really enjoyed working with him.

"I don’t know what his future is, but I really wish him all the best, and whatever it is, it’s fully deserved."

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