McLaren announce KEY departure as team chief issues statement

Breaking: McLaren announce KEY departure as team chief issues statement ab…read more

McLaren announce KEY departure as team chief issues statement ab…read more

McLaren has announced the departure of one of its key members, a significant change following their triumphant 2024 Formula 1 season. The British team secured its first constructors’ championship since 1998, a remarkable achievement that saw them accumulate 666 points, finishing 14 points ahead of Ferrari. Defending champions Red Bull finished in third, well behind McLaren. The team’s strong performances, led by drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have made McLaren one of the top teams in Formula 1 as they look to maintain this momentum in the coming season.

However, McLaren will face the challenge of moving forward without one of their most influential figures. Hiroshi Imai, who has been a crucial part of the team for many years, will be leaving to pursue new opportunities. Imai first joined McLaren in 2009, initially taking on various engineering roles. His expertise and leadership saw him rise through the ranks, becoming the chief race engineer in 2017, and later, the director of race engineering in 2021. Over the years, Imai has made a lasting impact on the team’s engineering approach and its overall success.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella paid tribute to Imai’s significant contributions, highlighting his dedication and the vital role he played in the team’s engineering development. Stella emphasized that Imai’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s progress, especially in the successful 2024 campaign, where McLaren demonstrated their competitive edge. Despite the loss of Imai, McLaren’s leadership is confident they will continue to build on their achievements and pursue further success in Formula 1.

Imai’s departure marks the end of an era at McLaren, but the team remains focused on consolidating their position as one of the sport’s top contenders. It is understood that Imai will be seeking new professional challenges in his native Japan, rather than joining another Formula 1 team. This move signifies his desire for a fresh direction in his career, after over a decade of service to McLaren.

As McLaren looks ahead to the 2025 season, the team will undoubtedly miss Imai’s expertise and experience. However, they remain optimistic about their future, with their sights firmly set on continuing their rise to the top of Formula 1.