McLaren appoints Stella as new team boss as Seidl joins Sauber

McLaren has confirmed Andreas Seidl's departure from the Woking-based outfit and his replacement as team principal by executive director Andrea Stella.

Tuesday dawned with a game of musical chairs involving several of F1's team bosses and which has started the day before kicking into high gear.

After Monday's news that Williams team principal Jost Capito was stepping down from his role with the British outfit, Alfa Romeo F1/Sauber confirmed on Tuesday Frédéric Vasseur's exit, with Ferrari rubber-stamping the Frenchman's transfer to Maranello.

But a rumor that emerged earlier in the day calling for Seidl's departure from McLaren and passage to Sauber was confirmed by both teams on Tuesday morning.

"I’m delighted that Andrea Stella will step into the Team Principal role and lead our F1 technical and operational programme," said McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown.

"Andrea is a highly talented, experienced and respected member of our team with a strong track record of leadership and success in Formula 1. His move into this role is a great example of the strength in depth we have in our team, and I’m excited to be working more closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.

"I’ve really enjoyed working with Andreas. He has provided great leadership for the team and has played a significant part in our F1 performance recovery plan and ongoing journey to return to the front of the grid.

"I thank him for the transparency throughout the process which gave us time to plan accordingly."

• Read also: Ferrari confirms Vasseur as Binotto's replacement

Andrea Stella, new F1 Team Principal, McLaren Racing, said:

"I feel privileged to take on the Team Principal role as the next stage of being part of the McLaren F1 Team.

"I am grateful to Zak and the Shareholders for their trust in me and to all my colleagues and those who have supported me throughout my F1 career.

"We are realistic about the amount of work ahead of us to move back up the grid, but I am excited and encouraged that I am in this journey together with a team full of talent, experience, racing spirit and dedication.

"I look forward to working closely with each of them, Lando and Oscar, to together achieving great success and enjoying the journey."

Seidl, who joined McLaren in 2019 and oversaw part of the team's restructuring, expressed his gratitude towards Brown for understanding his personal decision to undertake his new challenge as Sauber's new CEO.

"I joined McLaren in 2019 and have really enjoyed working with Zak and the team," said the German.

"We have achieved some good results, and I will always have fond memories, with Monza being a personal and career highlight.

"The team is on a great trajectory, and I would like to thank everyone for their support, trust and commitment.

"Thanks to Zak and the shareholders for their understanding of my personal decision to move on to another challenge. I wish Andrea and the team all the best for the future."

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