F1 News, Reports and Race Results

McLaren: Seidl solely focused on F1 and moving team forward

Zak Brown says he will rely on new recruit Andreas Seidl to focus exclusively on F1 and carry McLaren forward in the future.

McLaren's chief executive will bring in Porsche's former LMP1 boss later this year, in May, because Brown identified the need for a single-minded, qualified leader to guide the Woking-based outfit.

"Andreas has an excellent history not only with Porsche but before that working with Sauber and Williams on the BMW side," Brown said.

"So he’s someone who’s been around racing a long time has a great pedigree. When we started going through our changes last year we recognised ultimately you need someone waking up every day solely focused on Formula 1.

"My role is to look after McLaren Racing and our various racing activities of which Formula 1 is the most important, and then I brought on Gil [in the] middle of the year to assist me with those global efforts until we had identified – and ultimately they have yet to start – people like James Key and Andreas.

"We all had to jump in and kind of fill that gap until they arrive. So what I’m looking is for Andreas to lead the team."

McLaren initiated a complete revamp of its management structure last year, on the back of its disappointing performance in F1.

It's technical department will be led in the future by former Toro Rosso chief designer James Key, a man highly rated in F1.

"I think we have a great group. I think the team’s stronger than any one individual," added Brown.

"But he, James Key along with the existing organisation will take it forward, and Gil and I will obviously play our role in Formula 1 while also kind of fulfilling the ambition of our shareholders in the various activities."

Along those ambitions is the another trip to Indianapolis' Brickyard where a McLaren entry will attempt to win the Indy 500 with Fernando Alonso.

"Obviously we’re doing the Indy 500, we’re involved in cycling, as has been reported we’re looking at sports cars and so we needed to make sure before we take on any other activities that we have all of the right resources dedicated to Formula 1, because what we won’t do is have any distractions to our Formula 1 team."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

11 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

12 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

13 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

15 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

16 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

17 hours ago