Allan McNish becomes the competition director for the Audi F1 team, thus expanding his role within the brand’s motorsport program to succeed team principal Jonathan Weathley.
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The former F1 driver and World Endurance Champion – three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – has long been part of Audi’s sporting structure, since the end of his driving career with the manufacturer in 2013.
Involved in the F1 project since its inception, McNish will now be responsible for all trackside operations, taking over some of the functions previously held by the recently departed team principal, Jonathan Wheatley.
Reporting to Binotto
“It is a privilege to assume the role of Competition Director for Audi F1 Team: it is a brand that means a lot to me and it is an honor to represent Audi and our partners on motorsport’s most prestigious stage,” said McNish. “It’s an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in Audi’s and Formula 1’s history, and I look forward to contributing even more directly to our on-track performance.”
McNish – who also served as team principal for the Audi Formula E structure – will report to CEO Mattia Binotto, who retains overall responsibility for the program.
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“The project we are building is ambitious, and my goal will be to ensure that all aspects of our racing operations reach their maximum level of competitiveness and continue to progress,” added the Scot. “With our driver development program, to which I remain fully committed, I will focus on laying the foundations for our success, under the leadership of Mattia and the board of directors.”
Valuable experience
“Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding, and leadership to this position,” said Binotto. “He has been an integral part of Audi’s motorsport structure for many years and, in his roles within Audi F1 Team since its inception, he has played a key role in preparing for our entry into Formula 1, particularly through his work on technical partnerships.”
“This appointment strengthens our sporting leadership at a crucial moment in the project,” concluded the boss. “Allan’s ability to connect all areas of performance – from sporting operations to driver development – will be fundamental as we continue to build our team.”
Audi indicates that this new organization will take effect from the next Miami Grand Prix in eight days.
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