Mercedes outlines key changes to Formula 1 team's board
The Mercedes Formula 1 team has outlined changes to the composition of its board, including the nomination of a new non-executive chairman following the passing of Niki Lauda
Markus Schafer and Frank Markus Weber have joined as board members of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, following two departures.
Ola Kallenius has stepped down after assuming the role of chairman of the board of Daimler AG, Mercedes' parent company, while Bodo Uebber has left his position as Daimler's chief financial officer.
The duo stepped down from the board on May 22 this year.
A board meeting in Stuttgart last week nominated Schafer, a Daimler board member "responsible for group research and Mercedes-Benz cars development", as its non-executive chairman.
Three-time F1 world champion Lauda previously performed the non-executive chairman role but passed away in May.
The same month, long-time racing supporter Dieter Zetsche stepped down from his role as chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz cars, to be replaced by Kallenius.
Schafer has been a non-executive director of Mercedes GP since March 11.
Daimler's vice-president of corporate development Weber was appointed as a non-executive director of Mercedes GP with immediate effect at the same board meeting.
They join Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff, Britta Seeger and Rene Berger on the board.
Wolff said: "The commitment of our parent company has been fundamental to the team's success and will continue to be so in the years ahead.
"This support for Formula 1 has always been reflected in our team's board, with strong representation from Daimler's senior leadership, and it continues through the appointments of Markus and Frank Markus for the years ahead.
"Formula 1 is a powerful technology and marketing platform for Mercedes-Benz globally, and a valuable shop window for the company's values and its competitiveness."
New non-executive chairman Schafer added: "Mercedes-Benz is a driving force in the transformation to emission-free mobility.
"To maintain personal mobility, cutting-edge technology is required to push boundaries and redefine standards, and this can only be achieved by focusing on a shared goal and through fantastic team spirit.
"Our learnings from the exciting world of Formula 1 have brought us valuable and inspiring synergies, and I am looking forward to building upon that close cooperation."
Share Or Save This Story
The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season
Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge
Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1
How the Mercedes engine discussion shows F1's new political reality
Why Mercedes is so confident about overtaking in Australian GP when rivals aren't
Will nobody win the Australian GP? Why sandbagging is an art form in F1
Why Norris fears F1 has gone from "the best cars ever" to "probably the worst"
Verstappen undergoes X-ray on hands after Australian GP qualifying crash
Alonso reveals when Aston Martin should retire from F1 Australian GP
F1 Australian GP: Russell takes pole from Antonelli as Verstappen crashes out
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments