Seidl ‘hungry and fired up’ to begin work with McLaren

Incoming McLaren Formula 1 managing director Andreas Seidl is “hungry” and “fired up” to begin work with the team at the beginning of next month, according to driver Carlos Sainz Jr.

Former Porsche LMP1 chief Seidl was confirmed as McLaren’s new F1 chief back in December, filling a role left vacant following Eric Boullier’s departure last summer.

Seidl will begin work with McLaren on May 1 after completing his gardening leave period, but was in Bahrain last month in an unofficial capacity.

McLaren driver Sainz got the first chance to meet Seidl at the race, and was impressed by the German’s eagerness to get started with the team.

“I did meet him at the grand prix [in Bahrain]. I did get a chance to say hello and have our first conversation and I was happy to meet him,” Sainz said.

“I could see he was impatient to join the team, which is something I like. I like seeing people fired up and ready to roll.

“It was fun having our first conversation.”

Seidl will arrive at McLaren tasked with improving its on-track fortunes after a difficult period for the team that has seen it go five years without a podium finish.

Asked if Seidl had already discussed some of his ideas and plans for McLaren, Sainz said it was “too early to judge”.

“What I can tell you is that he gave me a very good impression in general,” he said.

“I saw he was very switched on, waiting to jump into the team as soon as possible but unfortunately there is this gardening period.

“I don’t need much more than to know he’s switched on and hungry to go.”

Seidl’s arrival will follow that of newly-appointed technical director James Key, who completed his move from Toro Rosso last month and made his first on-site appearance in Bahrain.

Key will report to Seidl, who in turn will report to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown at the helm of the group's racing activities.

Additional reporting by Michael Lamonato.