Audi appoint former driver Allan McNish as new F1 racing director
Former Formula 1 driver Allan McNish has been appointed as the new racing director of the Audi F1 team ahead of the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.
The Scot steps into the crucial trackside position following the departure of Jonathan Wheatley as team principal last month.
Having served as a long-time board adviser, the 56-year-old has been deeply involved with the German manufacturer’s premier motorsport project since its inception.
Extensive motorsport pedigree
Taking charge of his new responsibilities from 1 May in Florida, his remit covers engineering coordination, race strategy, driver management, and garage operations.
The newly appointed director brings an impressive racing pedigree to the pit wall, having previously secured three victories at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.
Alongside winning the 2013 world endurance championship, the motorsport veteran successfully managed the marque’s Formula E squad.
The former Toyota driver will also retain his current duties heading up the company’s young driver programme.
Management restructuring continues
In this newly created executive structure, he will report directly to Mattia Binotto.
Binotto recently assumed a dual role as chief executive officer and team principal for the nascent operation.
This appointment marks the latest significant management reshuffle as the manufacturer continues vital preparations for its full grid entry.
Expressing his pride in the appointment, the incoming racing director emphasized the scale of the task ahead.
“This is a marque that means a lot to me and it is an honour to be able to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsports.”
“This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and F1, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance.”
“The project we are building is ambitious, and my focus will be on ensuring that all aspects of our race operations are delivering at their most competitive level and continuously improving.”
Exceptional leadership
Binotto praised his new colleague’s vast technical understanding and pivotal contributions to their groundwork so far.
“Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role.”
“He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years and has played a key role in shaping our preparation for F1, not least with his work around technical partnerships.”
