Mansour Ojjeh, historic shareholder of McLaren, dies

Sad news from Mclaren this Sunday with the announcement of the disappearance of Mansour Ojjeh. 

Major figure of the Formula 1, the Franco-Saudi businessman was one of the historic shareholders of the British manufacturer, in which he acquired a stake in 1984 via the Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG) group founded by his father Akram Ojjeh and which he managed . Until 1987, turbo engines Porsche used by McLaren in Grands Prix, including those crowned world champions in 1984, 1985, and 1986 with Niki Lauda then Alain Prost, were also badged TAG.

The TAG group had arrived in F1 a few seasons earlier through a sponsorship agreement with the team Williams, tied in the late 1970s. 

A close ally of former McLaren boss Ron Dennis, Ojjeh contributed greatly to making the Woking team one of the most powerful teams on the grid. In 2013, he underwent a double lung transplant before making a discreet return to the paddock where he remained a major player, just like in the McLaren organization chart. 

« It is with deep sadness that McLaren Racing announces the death of Mansour Ojjeh, McLaren shareholder since 1984, the British team announced this Sunday.

Mr. Ojjeh passed away peacefully this morning in Geneva at the age of 68 surrounded by his family. All members of McLaren join his family in mourning his passing. The team sends its most sincere condolences to his loved ones ». 

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, paid tribute to the memory of a “ real competitor (...) a titan of our sport, possessed of a disarming modesty with all those who had the pleasure of meeting him ". " Mansour will remain a constant source of inspiration at McLaren where his legacy is preserved as it has been inscribed in the DNA and soul of the team for almost 40 years », added the American. 

Stefano Domenicali, president of the F1 group, confided his emotion after the disappearance of “ our very dear friend Mansour, a man of talent, passion, and energy. He was a giant of our discipline. He will be greatly missed by the great F1 family ». 

Jean Todt, president of the FIA, wanted to honor “(his) friend Mansour Ojjeh, one of the legends of F1 (...) a true gentleman who will be missed by all ».

All AUTO editorial staffhebdo joins the motorsport community in sending its condolences to the family and loved ones of Mansour Ojjeh.