McLaren reshuffles its Formula 1 aero team
McLaren has undertaken a reshuffling of its aerodynamic department as part of an ongoing review of its Formula 1 operations
AUTOSPORT has learned that head of aerodynamics Marcin Budkowski has left the team.
As a result, chief aerodynamicist Doug McKiernan will now head the Woking-based outfit's aerodynamic operations ahead of the start of the 2014 season.
Budkowski originally joined McLaren in 2007 as a senior aerodynamicist, moving up the ranks to become head of aerodynamics from November 2012. He played a key role in last year's MP4-28.
When contacted by AUTOSPORT, a McLaren spokesman confirmed Budkowski's departure and said that the parting of ways had been mutual following a disagreement about future direction.
"Marcin and McLaren Racing have differing views on the strategic plans affecting the aerodynamics department and as such we have agreed to part company," the McLaren spokesman explained.
"We wish Marcin all the best for his future after six years and thank him for his valuable contribution during that time."
The reshuffling of roles in the aerodynamics departments comes on the back of a thorough review of the racing team by new group CEO Ron Dennis.
Since Dennis reclaimed control, the team has appointed Eric Boullier as its new racing director and managing director Jonathan Neale as the team's stand-in CEO
Previous article
Felipe Massa 'happier than expected' at Williams F1 team
Next article
Jerez F1 test: Alonso and Ferrari fastest, Mercedes does race sim
How Ferrari has brought the best from F1’s smooth operator
As a young boy, Carlos Sainz was schooled by his father in the special folklore surrounding Ferrari in Formula 1. Now an established grand prix ace – and a Ferrari driver to boot – Sainz opens up to BEN ANDERSON about driving for the team of his childhood hero, and of his own boyhood dreams
How Hungarian GP thriller sounded alarm bell for F1 2022 cars
OPINION: The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix may not have been a thrill-a-minute overtaking fest, but it's a race that will live long in the memory as one of the best of the current era of Formula 1. And as F1 moves to regulations in 2022 aimed at boosting overtaking, Hungary showed the balance it must strike with its new machinery as not to deny similarly tense spectacles
Was Hamilton's Hungary solo start a good or bad look for F1?
OPINION: Different perspectives had Lewis Hamilton’s solo second standing start in Formula 1’s 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix as fabulous or farcical. But did it make the championship appear too silly for the sake of a moment of high-charged sporting drama?
Why unseen Hungary heroics could be the making of F1's most overlooked driver
The chaotic start to the Hungarian GP set the scene for F1's less heralded drivers to make a name for themselves. Esteban Ocon did just that to win in fine style, but further down the order one driver was making his first visit to the points and - while the circumstances were fortunate - took full advantage of the chance presented to him
Hungarian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
This was race that showcased the best and worst of Formula 1, producing a first time winner and a memorable comeback to a podium finish. Avoiding trouble at the start and astute strategy calls were key to success, but where some drivers took full advantage, others made key errors that cost them dearly
The “heart-breaking” call that led to Ocon’s Hungarian GP triumph
Set to restart the red-flagged Hungarian Grand Prix in second, Esteban Ocon had some doubts when he peeled into the pits to swap his intermediate tyres for slicks. But this "heart-breaking" call was vindicated in spectacular fashion as the Alpine driver staved off race-long pressure from Sebastian Vettel for a memorable maiden Formula 1 victory
The F1 champion who became an Indy king in his second career
Emerson Fittipaldi’s decision to go racing with his brother led to him falling out of F1, but he bloomed again on the IndyCar scene. NIGEL ROEBUCK considers a career of two halves
Why Mercedes is pleased to be in the Hungary hunt at a 'Red Bull track'
Mercedes ended Friday practice at the Hungaroring with a clear gap to Red Bull thanks to Valtteri Bottas’s pace in topping FP2. But there are other reasons why the Black Arrows squad feels satisfied with its progress so far at a track many Formula 1 observers reckon favours Red Bull overall
