Alfa Romeo still on the hunt for new team principal with Andreas Seidl CEO

Leaving his role of McLaren team principal and signing with Sauber as the group’s new CEO, Andreas Seidl has thanked the Woking team for understanding his “personal decision to move on to another challenge”.

After the craziness that was this year’s drivers’ silly season, the team bosses got involved in the action on Tuesday morning.

In the space of three hours,Ferrari confirmed Fred Vasseur as Mattia Binotto’s replacement, Sauber announced Seidl as Vasseur’s but only in part as he’s the new CEO but not team boss, andMcLaren gave Seidl’s job to Andrea Stella.

It was, fair to say, a morning of madness with Seidl first thanking McLaren for “understanding” his reasons for leaving the Woking team.

“I joined McLaren in 2019 and have really enjoyed working with Zak [Brown] and the team,” said the 46-year-old. “We have achieved some good results, and I will always have fond memories, with Monza being a personal and career highlight.

“The team is on a great trajectory, and I would like to thank everyone for their support, trust and commitment. Thanks to Zak and the shareholders for their understanding of my personal decision to move on to another challenge.

“I wish Andrea and the team all the best for the future.”

Minutes later he was adding to his gratitude list as he thanked Sauber for the opportunity to return to the team.

Seidl was a part of the Sauber team for four years when they were in partnership with BMW from 2000 to 2009.

“It is great to join the Sauber Group from January,” he said. “This is a team with a rich history in Formula One and an organisation I know really well from my time working and living in Hinwil for four years.

“I can’t wait to join the team and work with all the colleagues at the Sauber Group on the ambitious goals we have set together. I want to thank Finn Rausing and everyone at the Sauber Group for their choice. I am looking forward to repaying their trust with my work.”

But interestingly what went largely unnoticed in the chaos of Tuesday’s back-to-back-to-back announcements was that Seidl is not the Sauber, soon to be Audi, team boss, he’s the CEO.

Sauber said in their press release: “Seidl will take over the CEO position from predecessor, Frédéric Vasseur; together with the team Seidl will now work on the appointment of its new Team Principal, which will be communicated in due course.”

Read more: Fred Vasseur warned of potential ‘short life’ as Ferrari team principal