Former McLaren F1 technical director bounces back at Alfa Romeo

Arriving from Woking at the start of the season, James Key will return to Hinwil, where he enjoyed great success in the early 2010s.

Published on 07/06/2023 à 09:40

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Former McLaren F1 technical director bounces back at Alfa Romeo

James Key will return to the Sauber structure where he worked between 2010 and 2012 / © Alfa Romeo

James Key will not have remained inactive for long. Former technical director McLaren will succeed Jan Monchaux in the same role at Alfa Romeo from September 1, 2023.

This recruitment marks a return to Hinwil for Key, who served as technical director of the Sauber team between 2010 and 2012, years marked by the rebirth of the Swiss team with the highlight of the Sauber C31 designed by Key, who reached the podium four times in the hands of Sergio Pérez and Kamui Kobayashi.

During a career that began at Jordan Grand Prix, where Key held various engineering positions, including race engineer, in 2005, at the age of 33, Key became the youngest technical director of the history of Formula 1.

He retained this position when the team transformed into Midland F1 then Spyker F1 and finally Force India. After his time at Sauber, Key joined the Team Toro Rosso as technical director, before joining McLaren Racing ahead of the 2019 season, where he worked under team principal Andreas Seidl.

Key will reunite with the German, who has been in charge of the Audi F1 project in Hinwil since last winter. Held responsible for the failed debut of the new MCL60, Key was fired at the start of the season by McLaren.

« I am delighted to welcome James home to Hinwil as he joins us in shaping the future of this team, commented Seidl regarding the recruitment of Key.

The way he works has changed a lot since his time here, but the same motivation, the same commitment that contributed to the success of the team during his previous experience are still there.

I am convinced that with this talented and determined team, we will be able to continue on the path of growth we are on. James' appointment is a crucial step in this journey: he has exceptional experience in sport, not only as a technical director, but also in other roles within a team's technical organization.

I would also like to thank Jan (Monchaux. Editor’s note) for his valuable contribution in getting Sauber to where it is today, following our most successful season in ten years, during which we rose to sixth place in the Constructors' Championship ».

« I am delighted to return to Hinwil to work with old and new colleagues at Sauber; I have very good memories of the time I was there, added Key for his part. I look forward to leading the technical side of the team at one of the pivotal times in its long history, as we move towards a new and exciting future. A huge amount of work lies ahead, but I am confident that every member of our team working in Hinwil will have the commitment, determination and ambition to take us to the top.

We know this will take time, effort and perseverance, and that the dividends of this work will only come over the next two seasons and beyond. We have a roadmap to follow that I can't wait to get started. I am grateful to Andreas for the trust he has placed in me and I look forward to returning his trust and working closely with him on the challenges and ambitions that lie ahead. ».