Team Principal’s Mass Exodus Takes Its Next Prey As Reports Suggest McLaren F1 Boss Eying the Door

Here we thought the F1 off-season would be quiet and uneventful. Everyone expected no changes on the grid after the driver’s lineup was confirmed for 2023. However, in the most bizarre turn of events, we are witnessing a team principal’s silly season. The latest name on the list is McLaren’s current boss, Andreas Seidl.

According to Speedcafe, the German team principal is set to pledge his allegiance to the newcomer, Audi. The German team earlier announced its entry into F1 as a team partnering with Swiss team Sauber, which is racing under the guise of Alfa Romeo. However, the team will not make an appearance until 2026.

Despite the delayed entry, the project at Audi is in full swing. Now, according to reports, Audi has recognized Seidl as the man for the job to get them ready by 2026 for their debut in Formula 1.

Apart from the German connection, Seidl has also worked under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group before. He was the team principal at Porsche and led them to three World Endurance Championship titles on the bounce from 2015. He even won the blue-riband 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2015 to 2017 with the team.

Seidl becomes the fourth team principal fueling the team principals’ silly season. Mattia Binotto and Jost Capito have already stepped down from their respective posts. There are also rumors about Frederic Vasseur set for a change in scenery at Ferrari. 

Read More: Leaving Behind Past Grudges, Red Bull Boss Christian Horner Makes an Honest Confession About Departing Mattia Binotto

If Seidl leaves McLaren, the Woking-based outfit will quickly need to replace him before the preparation for the 2023 season starts. Who will take Seidl’s seat at McLaren is still unclear.

Christian Horner gives a reality check of the team principals’ situation at the F1 award ceremony night

The Red Bull Racing boss took to the stage to collect the 2022 season awards. During his acceptance speed, Horner shared his thoughts on the departing Mattia Binotto. However, during his speech, he made a statement that tells us how frequently Ferrari has seen new bosses.

He said, “A huge pressure in that team (Ferrari) because it is a national team as well as an OEM and I think it will now be the sixth team principal I will sit across the table from since I have been at Red Bull [since 2005].”

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This sudden change in management in multiple teams across the grid is unexpected. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise, Horner’s comment indicates just that.