New McLaren man Andreas Seidl gets his start date

Former Porsche LMP1 boss Andreas Seidl will become McLaren's managing director in Formula 1 on May 1st of this year.

Seidl's move to McLaren was revealed last year but the Woking-based outfit had not disclosed when the German engineer would be brought on board.

"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."

Webber on McLaren's Seidl: 'One of the best I've worked with!'

McLaren new recruit is seen as a valuable addition to a management and technical team that was revamped after the departure back in June of racing director Eric Boullier.

Seidl is no stranger to Formula 1, having previously worked at BMW Motorsport from 2000 and 2006, then at BMW Sauber as head of track operations until 2009.

His claim to fame however was orchestrating Porsche's LMP1 success in the World Endurance Championship.

In the coming months, Seidl will be joined at McLaren by another high-profile recruit: former Toro Rosso technical director James Key.

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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.