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McLaren Sporting Director Quits
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Sam Michael, once touted as a future McLaren team principal, has resigned his post as sporting director and will leave the team at the end of the season.
Michael, 43, informed Ron Dennis, the McLaren chairman of his plan to resign in March, but it was agreed that he would continue for this season, keeping the news private.
The Australian was backed by the former team principal Martin Whitmarsh as a potential successor, but once Whitmarsh was deposed and Eric Boullier was appointed in January it became clear that Michael would not immediately move up the ladder. McLaren said that they “regretted” his decision to leave and that the parting of ways was amicable.
Michael has been at McLaren since 2011, after leaving his post as Williams technical director earlier that year. He will return to his native Australia to spend more time with his family.
Meanwhile, McLaren “categorically denied” reports in Italy claiming that Tim Goss, technical director, and Jonathan Neale, chief operating officer, will lose their jobs in the near future. “They are not leaving and there are no plans for them to leave,” a spokesman said.
McLaren is in the midst of restructuring as it prepares for the return of Honda as engine supplier for 2015. The team has been waiting to confirm its driver line-up until it gets a firm answer from Fernando Alonso, who is leaving Ferrari, on whether he wants to join them. Boullier has said he is optimistic there will be an announcement before the end of the season next month.
Michael, 43, informed Ron Dennis, the McLaren chairman of his plan to resign in March, but it was agreed that he would continue for this season, keeping the news private.
The Australian was backed by the former team principal Martin Whitmarsh as a potential successor, but once Whitmarsh was deposed and Eric Boullier was appointed in January it became clear that Michael would not immediately move up the ladder. McLaren said that they “regretted” his decision to leave and that the parting of ways was amicable.
Michael has been at McLaren since 2011, after leaving his post as Williams technical director earlier that year. He will return to his native Australia to spend more time with his family.
Meanwhile, McLaren “categorically denied” reports in Italy claiming that Tim Goss, technical director, and Jonathan Neale, chief operating officer, will lose their jobs in the near future. “They are not leaving and there are no plans for them to leave,” a spokesman said.
McLaren is in the midst of restructuring as it prepares for the return of Honda as engine supplier for 2015. The team has been waiting to confirm its driver line-up until it gets a firm answer from Fernando Alonso, who is leaving Ferrari, on whether he wants to join them. Boullier has said he is optimistic there will be an announcement before the end of the season next month.
