F1: Sam Michael to join McLaren next season

By ,

Williams F1 and McLaren have confirmed today that Sam Michael will join McLaren as Sporting Director.

The announcement follows Michael's resignation from his current post as Williams' Technical Director in May this year.

After starting his Grand Prix career with Team Lotus in 1993, he joined Jordan Grand Prix in 1995 and moved to Williams F1 in 2001 as Chief Operations Engineer. He was later promoted to Technical Director, the position he held for eight seasons. His last race with Williams will be at the forthcoming Singapore Grand Prix.

Sam Michael (Photo: WRi2)


As Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ Sporting Director, Sam Michael will join the senior management team in addition to taking specific responsibility for the development and management of the team’s trackside operations.

His vast experience and profound understanding of race operations will enhance the team’s on-track capability, adding significantly to its already impressive technical management strength-in-depth.