F1 News: Alfa Romeo Announces New Technical Director Stolen From McLaren
Alfa Romeo has confirmed the appointment of former McLaren technical director James Key. The Swiss-based team has confirmed that Key will join from 1st September 2023 as their technical director.
With more than 25 years of Formula One experience, Key's appointment is a strategic move in anticipation of Sauber Motorsport's transformation into a works team in 2026. Key previously served as Technical Director for the Sauber F1 Team from 2010 to 2012, contributing to the team's revival. He later moved to Scuderia Toro Rosso and McLaren Racing, demonstrating exceptional leadership and contributing to several podium finishes. His return to the Hinwil team aligns with the forward-looking strategy outlined by Sauber Group CEO, Andreas Seidl.
In the press release, Seidl commented on the appointment:
“I am delighted to welcome James back home to Hinwil as he joins us to shape the future of this team. The operation he will find has changed a lot since his time here, but the same drive, the same commitment that contributed to making the team successful in his previous experience are still the same: I am sure that, together with this very talented and committed team, we will be able to continue on the path of growth on which we have embarked.
"James’s appointment is a crucial step on this journey: he has an outstanding amount of experience in the sport, not just as Technical Director, but also in various other roles within the technical organisation of a team. He will lead the transformation process of the technical side of the team, giving us the tools and direction we need to tackle the future."
Key also released a statement, which reads:
“I am delighted to be returning to Hinwil to work with old, and new, colleagues at Sauber; I have very fond memories of my time there before. I am looking forward to leading the technical side of the team at one of the most critical junctures of its long history as we head towards a new and exciting future.
"There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, but I am confident that every single member of our team working in Hinwil will have the commitment, determination and hunger to get us to the top. We know it will require time, effort and perseverance, and the dividends from this work will only arrive over the next two seasons and beyond, but we have a journey ahead of us and a roadmap to follow which I am eager to get started.
"I am grateful to Andreas for the confidence he has placed in me and look forward to repaying his trust and working closely with him on the challenges and ambitions ahead.”