Mika Häkkinen joins McLaren as ambassador

Pile McLaren between 1993 and 2001, and titled twice with Woking in 1998 and 1999, Mika Hakkinen is making its comeback to the McLaren fold. It is in the post of ambassador that the former rival of Michael Schumacher will evolve within the British structure.

“Mika will sit alongside McLaren Executive Director Zak Brown and McLaren Marketing staff, working with existing partners and exciting new business prospects. He will also work closely with Mike Flewitt, Managing Director of McLaren Automotive, and his marketing team. » specifies the press release.

The Finn will discover a position also assigned to the Briton Jenson Button since his retirement from the seat after the 2016 season.

“I have always considered McLaren my home in Formula 1, and I always have a huge place in my heart for everyone on the team, recognizes the Finn. Of course, the last few years for McLaren have not been easy, but I have always believed that it is only a question of "when" rather than "if" McLaren will return to its level.

And I want to play my part in this regard. Returning to McLaren was an easy decision for me. I never really lost touch, and I still know many of these hard-working men and women after my eight seasons with the team. »

“Mika is an extremely impressive person outside the cockpit: sharp, intelligent, wise, calm, witty and always a big fan of the sport. He will be an incredible asset to McLaren as we look to build with our partners and regain competitiveness. » explains Zak Brown, executive director of McLaren Technology Group.