F1: Sam Michael to leave McLaren

McLaren sporting director Sam Michael is to leave the team at the end of the 2014 Formula 1 season. The team said Michael was departing "on extremely good terms".

Michael actually handed in his notice in March this year as part of a long-term plan to move back to his native Australia with his family.

Michael joined McLaren at the end of 2011, having previously been technical director at Williams. He will attend this season's remaining grands prix with McLaren before departing.

Michael's exit is likely to trigger a wider reshuffle at the team, as its racing director Eric Boullier takes the next steps in his efforts to get McLaren back into winning shape.

While confirming that Michael was leaving, McLaren denied reports that it would also be parting with its chief operating officer and acting CEO Jonathan Neale and technical director Tim Goss.

McLaren has not won an F1 race since the 2012 Brazilian GP, but has shown improved form in recent races, pulling clear of Force India in the battle for fifth in the constructors' standings with a double top five finish in the last event in Russia.