McLaren adds Stella to final leadership structure

40

McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl has completed the team's leadership structure by promoting Italian engineer Andrea Stella to the role of racing director.

Stella, who left Ferrari at the end of 2013 to join McLaren, was previously the Woking-based outfit's performance director.

Stella's responsibilities will include race engineering and operational duties on Grand Prix weekends, but he will also retain his previous engineering assignments, working alongside McLaren technical director James Key.

Piers Thynne will continue to fulfil the role of production director, while Paul James remains McLaren's team manager.

F1i Team Reviews for 2019: McLaren

The move completes Seidl's efforts to install a more traditional top tier management structure offering clear reporting lines and a simplified decision-making progress, with Key, Stella and Thynne all answering to the McLaren F1 boss.

McLaren's management changes were initiated in 2018 under the guidance of chief executive Zak Brown. Internal transformation was followed by the recruitment of Key from Toro Rosso and Seidl from Porsche, with both men joining the papaya squad after the start of the 2019 season.

The changes proved beneficial to McLaren which enjoyed a revival of sorts last season as it comprehensively led F1's midfield, with more progress expected in 2020.

But as the team works to bridge the gap with its front-running rivals it will simultaneously prepare for the significant changes that lie on the horizon for 2021, specifically the sport's regulation changes and its switch from Renault to Mercedes power.

"Looking ahead, we have to keep this momentum up and simply have to keep on pushing in order to achieve our ambitious targets," Seidl said.

"At the same time, we should never underestimate what our competitors can do. They all have the same high targets and will work very hard towards them as well."

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.