McLaren has announced the arrival of the former head of Porsche’s WEC program, Andreas Seidl as managing director of the Formula 1 team.
It’s the latest step in CEO Zak Brown’s five-year plan to bring success back to the Woking-based outfit as their winless streak prepares to enter its seventh year in 2019.
While his most recent foray was in endurance racing, Seidl is no stranger to the F1 paddock having worked with BMW for 10 years, including three years as the head of trackside operations during their stint as a works team.
“We are delighted that Andreas is joining McLaren to lead our F1 technical and operational programme,” Brown commented. “This is a significant appointment for us on two fronts.
“First, it is another important step in our F1 performance recovery plan and long-term commitment to F1.
“Second, concentrated senior leadership on our F1 programme is an integral part of the long-term strategy of McLaren Racing to expand into other forms of global motorsport over time.
“Andreas is a highly capable leader with a track record of success in everything he has been involved with, and I look forward to working with him.”
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Seidl understandably expressed his pride in being chosen for the new role and vowed to do all he can to move McLaren back towards the front.
“This is an enormous privilege and challenge, which I am ready for and committed to,” he declared. “To have an opportunity to contribute to the McLaren legacy is extremely special and inspiring.
“McLaren has the vision, leadership and experience but, most importantly, the people to return to the front, and that will be my absolute focus and mission.
“I can’t wait to join the team and begin working with my colleagues at McLaren, our partners at Renault and, of course, Carlos [Sainz] and Lando [Norris].”