Seidl has free rein at McLaren – Brown

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown insists new Formula 1 team boss Andreas Seidl will have free rein over the squad and feels there won’t be conflict given his ‘consult’ management style.

Former Porsche boss Seidl has started his role as McLaren team principal after an extensive gardening leave period from the German manufacturer, with the ex-BMW and Sauber man officially beginning on May 1 meaning his first race in charge of the team is this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Having been a key person of attention for McLaren, after recruiting James Key from Toro Rosso as technical chief earlier this season, Brown is pleased with the new management structure in place as the team looks to rebuild towards former glories after a tough few years at the back of the F1 midfield.

Brown says he’s happy to let Seidl run McLaren as he sees fit but is confident each key decision will be a combined effort as he feels the new team principal is “the type of individual who is going to consult” with the new-look senior management squad.

“I think it’s his racing team to run. He’s a consultative team member type of individual,” Brown said. “He’s got free rein to do what he wants. He’s got 100 percent of my support in that.

“But he is the type of individual who is going to consult and brainstorm and work with his team, not just do things and find out about it the next morning.”

Brown says appointing Seidl was key for McLaren to gain a management member who can be devoted to its F1 efforts following his own split time working on both McLaren’s commercial activities as well as its sporting side including both F1 and the Indianapolis 500.

“It’s always been the plan to bring in dedicated, exclusively-focused leadership on the Formula 1 racing team,” he explained. “We need someone waking up every day and making sure the car goes as fast as possible.

“My job is a much broader remit to run the business, grow the business, so nothing really changes for me. I’m just happy that between Andreas, James Key, the promotions we’ve made, the other people we’ve brought in, that I now feel from a personnel standpoint we’ve got our team in place.

“I’m sure Andreas once he gets stuck into it will make his mark, if you like. I’m really pleased with the team we have on the field.”