Big Blow for McLaren as Key F1 Figure Calls It Quits
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 10, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo during practice REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
The McLaren Group will see its Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Neale, step down from his post this year. This decision brings an end to the Briton’s 20-year association with the iconic racing outfit.
Since joining McLaren in 2001, Neale has become a driving force in McLaren’s success over the years. Right from watching Lewis Hamilton win the 2008 world championship to their ongoing resurgence this season, Neale has been a part of it all.
Jonathan Neale held several positions in the McLaren F1 team
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Neale joined the British outfit as its F1 director of operations in 2001, before becoming its chief executive in 2005. Holding the position for several years, he saw Ron Dennis and Martin Whitmarsh alternate as team principals.
In 2015, Neale served briefly as the interim CEO of the team as they started a partnership with Honda. However, that partnership ended after the 2017 season following a string of poor results that frequently saw them at the back of the grid.
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MONTMELO, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 22: Jenson Button of Great Britain and McLaren Honda drives during day one of F1 winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on February 22, 2016 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Currently, the McLaren Group has three businesses, namely McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive, and McLaren Applied. During his time in the company, Neale played a key role in the integration of these businesses.
Following the 2016 season, the Woking-born executive earned the position of the Chief Operating Officer of the McLaren Group.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 Olympic 100m champion Italy’s Marcell Jacobs waves the checkered flag as McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo wins the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Despite the Woking-based outfit enjoying their best phase in recent memory, Neale’s exit may add an undertone of sadness for McLaren.
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McLaren ended its 170-race winless drought in this year’s Italian Grand Prix
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In a chaotic 53-lap race in Monza, Daniel Ricciardo recorded a shock victory to record McLaren’s first win in nine years. In addition, he led Lando Norris in a one-two finish to score massive points for the British outfit.
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While Ferrari are their major competitor this year, they seem to have the upper hand at the moment. With seven races left, can they finish ahead of their Italian rivals to take third in this year’s constructor’s championship? Only time will tell.
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