Former F1 racer and two-time Le Mans winner Alexander Wurz says he has turned down Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick’s offer to become team principal at the small British outfit.

Manor is currently undergoing a major management overhaul with team principal John Booth and sporting director Graeme Lowdon both resigning, while former McLaren man Dave Ryan has been appointed as racing director.

Wurz has announced that he will retire from motor racing after this weekend’s World Endurance Championship season finale in Bahrain. The 41-year-old Austrian, who remains a chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, claimed in his statement that he had “lots of projects on the go”. These evidently do not include being at the helm of the Banbury-based outfit.

“After a period of consideration, I have informed Stephen Fitzpatrick that I have taken the decision not to make myself available to Manor.” Wurz told BBC Sport.

The Beeb reports that Martin Whitmarsh was also considered as a suitable candidate but the former McLaren team boss, who is now serving as CEO of the Ben Ainslie Racing America's Cup team, declined the offer as well.

Brazilian Grand Prix - Driver ratings

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Click here for a more light-hearted look at the Brazilian Grand Prix

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

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Gasly held off Verstappen at Suzuka with ‘best car of my career’

The sparks were flying at Suzuka – and right in the thick of it, Pierre…

5 hours ago

Vowles calls Suzuka ‘painful’ – draws ‘line in the sand’ for Williams

The mood around Williams Racing has taken a distinctly ominous turn, as James Vowles confronts…

6 hours ago

Ferrari’s ‘good weekend’ at Suzuka blunted by key SF-26 deficit

Last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix delivered another trophy for Ferrari’s cabinet, but team boss Fred…

8 hours ago

A milestone 15th career win for Hill in Brazil

On this day in 1996, Damon Hill took the checkered flag at the Brazilian Grand…

9 hours ago

Colapinto's management hits back after Bearman's Suzuka crash

Franco Colapinto’s management team stepped in after last Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix to defend the…

10 hours ago

Krack: First race finish for Aston Martin ‘no reason to celebrate’

An Aston Martin car finally crossed the finish in 2026, with Fernando Alonso completing the…

11 hours ago