Formula 1 racing team Audi has to fundamentally change its management level after the departure of team boss Jonathan Wheatley. Now the decision has been made for an internal personnel castling.
Formula 1 team Audi has appointed Allan McNish as its new race director, it was announced on Friday. In this role he reports directly to Mattia Binotto. The head of the F1 project remains team boss at the racing team of German driver Nico Hülkenberg.
“This appointment strengthens our leadership at the track at a crucial phase of our project,” said Binotto: “Allan’s ability to connect all performance-related areas, from sporting operations to driver development, will be crucial.”
The 56-year-old Brit has been associated with Audi for a long time. With the German manufacturer he was twice winner of the Le Mans endurance classic and also head of the Audi Formula E team. In January, the former Formula 1 driver took up the position as head of the youth program, and McNish will continue to work here.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of Racing Director for the Audi Revolut F1 Team. Audi is a brand that means a lot to me and it is an honor to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsport. This role is an exciting challenge at a crucial moment for Audi and Formula 1. I look forward to contributing even more directly to the team’s trackside performance,” McNish is quoted as saying in the statement.
Audi has to restructure its management team
The reason for the current considerations in the racing team surrounding the German driver Nico Hülkenberg is the surprising farewell to team boss Jonathan Wheatley, who resigned “for personal reasons” before the third race of the season in Suzuka.
The Brit, who had only moved to the team a year earlier, had formed a dual leadership role with Binotto at Audi. For the time being, the Italian took over Wheatley’s duties and at the same time announced a reorganization of the team management. Although Audi is said to have also looked at the personnel market, the recent trend has been to distribute tasks internally.
As Racing Director, Allan McNish will be responsible for coordinating all activities at the track, including driver management and race strategy.
Next week, after a month’s break, Formula 1 will continue its season with the Miami Grand Prix.