James named director of motorsport for McLaren Automotive

NEOM McLaren Electric Racing director and Formula E team principal Ian James is taking on an additional role within the wider McLaren group, becoming the director of motorsport at McLaren Automotive.

James replaces the retiring Mick McDonagh -- who is leaving after over four years with the company -- in the role, which will see him oversee all of McLaren's customer GT racing programs, reporting to Automotive CEO Michael Leiters.

Former Mercedes Formula E team principal James -- who is not the Heart of Racing team principal with whom he shares the same name -- will continue to run McLaren Racing's electric motorsport programs alongside his new role, but his new position on the McLaren Automotive side marks something of a return to his roots. James began his career as a manufacturing engineer on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren road car project between 2001-'05.

“I look forward to welcoming Ian and enhancing collaboration with our Racing colleagues,” said Leiters. “In motorsport, we prove the performance and durability of our cars on the track and demonstrate to the world our racing pedigree and Ian’s experience and success in this arena will accelerate our achievements.

"I would like to thank Mick for his dedication and service to McLaren in leading this significant pillar of our brand. His leadership in this area, in which he has overseen our entry in WEC as well as the expansion of the McLaren Trophy championship, has been integral to its ongoing success.”

In addition to James’ new role, McLaren has also created two new management positions. Long-time factory driver Rob Bell will assume the role of sporting director, while chief engineer Malcolm Gerrish will become technical and operations director, with both reporting to James.

James’ NEOM McLaren Formula E team will begin its third season on Dec. 7 in Sao Paulo with Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard driving, the latter having replaced Jake Hughes in the off-season.