Audi appoints Allan McNish as Racing Director

Audi has announced the appointment of Allan McNish as Racing Director in the latest step of its Formula 1 build-up.

McNish has been involved in the F1 project since the beginning and will now oversee the team’s trackside activities. His responsibilities will include sporting matters, engineering coordination, driver management, race strategy, garage operations, and media and partner duties during race weekends.

He will officially take over the role from the Miami Grand Prix onwards.

The Scotsman is one of the most experienced figures in Audi’s motorsport structure. He has previously worked as Director of Coordination for Audi Group Motorsport and also served as Team Principal of Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler in Formula E.

McNish is also well known for his driving career. He raced in Formula 1 and became one of endurance racing’s most successful names, with several wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a title in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Alongside his new duties, he will continue leading Audi’s Driver Development Programme.

McNish will report directly to Mattia Binotto, who now serves as CEO and Team Principal of the Audi F1 Team.

The move comes as Audi continues preparations during its first season in Formula 1 and looks to strengthen its racing structure for the future.

"Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role. He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years and, in his roles within Audi Revolut F1 Team since its start, has played a key role in shaping our preparation for Formula One, not least with his work around technical partnerships," said the Audi F1 Team boss Mattia Binotto in the press release statement.

"It is a privilege to take on the role of Racing Director for Audi Revolut F1 Team: this is a marque that means a lot to me and it is an honour to be able to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsports. This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and Formula One, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance," added Allan McNish.