McLaren Group’s Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Neale will step down from his post this year. This decision ends the British man’s 20-year association with the legendary racing outfit.
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Since joining McLaren in 2001, Neale has become a driving force behind McLaren’s success over the years. From Lewis Hamilton, who won the World Cup in 2008, to his ongoing comeback that season, Neale has been a part of it all.
Jonathan Neale held several positions on the McLaren F1 team
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Neale joined the UK team in 2001 as F1 Managing Director before becoming its CEO in 2005. In this position, Ron Dennis and Martin Whitmarsh took turns as team bosses.
In 2015, Neale served briefly as the team’s interim CEO when they partnered with Honda. However, that partnership ended after the 2017 season after a string of poor results that they often saw at the bottom of the grid.
MONTMELO, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 22: Jenson Button of Great Britain and McLaren Honda drive on the first day of F1 winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on February 22, 2016 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
The McLaren Group currently has three companies, namely McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive and McLaren Applied. While at the company, Neale played a key role in integrating these businesses.
After the 2016 season, the Woking-born executive became Chief Operating Officer of the McLaren Group.
Formula 1 F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 Olympic Champion over 100m Italy’s Marcell Jacobs waves the checkered flag as Daniel Ricciardo of McLaren wins the race REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini
While the Woking-based team is enjoying its prime lately, Neal’s departure could add an undertone of sadness to McLaren.
DIVE DEEPER
McLaren ended a winless drought of 170 races at this year’s Italian Grand Prix
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In a chaotic 53-lap race at Monza, Daniel Ricciardo clinched McLaren’s first victory in nine years with a shock victory. In addition, he led Lando Norris in a one-two to score massive points for the British team.
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While Ferrari is their main competitor this year, they seem to have the upper hand right now. With seven races remaining, can they finish third in this year’s constructors’ championship ahead of their Italian rivals? Only time can tell.
WATCH HISTORY: Lewis Hamilton: Ranking of his F1 world titles from 2008 to 2020
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