McLaren Racing has confirmed the signing of Andreas Seidl in the team from the 2019 F1 season onward.
Seidl is given the role of McLaren F1 team’s Managing Director and he will report to Zak Brown, with the responsibility for all aspects of the team’s F1 racing programme. His signing is part of McLaren’s on-going re-structure programme.
The German comes into the team following his successful tenure as the Team Principal of Porsche LMP1 outfit, where the team not only won the drivers’ championship but also the manufacturers’ title under him.
This also marks a return for the 43-year-old in F1 after his last work with BMW Motorsport between 2000 and 2009 season. “This is an enormous privilege and challenge, which I am ready for and committed to,” said Seidl.
“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 and Lando.” Seidl’s joining had been in reports for months with the team finally confirming the news.
“We are delighted that Andreas is joining McLaren to lead our F1 technical and operational programme,” said Brown. “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.” It will be a new start for McLaren in 2019 with not only two new drivers but also new faces in managerial positions.
UPDATE: McLaren has now confirmed that Seidl will officially start working for the Woking-based team from May 1 onward after an extensive gardening leave for the German after he leaving his Porsche job. He was announced to join McLaren on January 10.
“We’re delighted that Andreas is able to join the team on May 1,” said Brown. “This enables us to continue the momentum of our recovery plan and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to McLaren.”
[Read: Brown on preparations for 2019]