James Key, the new technical director of Alfa Romeo
The British engineer recently released from McLaren will head the technical department of the team based in Hinwill. He will take up his position on September 1st.
The puzzle of Audi’s future team management is starting to come together. As the brand with the rings will join F1 in 2026, the CEO of the Sauber group, Andreas Seidl, continues to establish the structure that will enable the German brand to integrate into the championship in the best possible way.
The German leader thus recruited James Key to head the technical department of the team that is still called Alfa Romeo today. With nearly 25 years of experience in F1, James Key has worked for several teams in F1, including Sauber from 2010 to 2012. It is therefore a return for him, as he held the role of technical director at McLaren since 2019 under the orders of… Andreas Seidl.
11 years later
« I am delighted to welcome James, he is back in Hinwill to shape the team’s future. The organization he will find here has changed a lot since his first time here, but the commitment that contributed to the team’s success in his previous experience remains the same. I am confident that together, with this talented team, we will be able to continue on the path of growth that we have embarked on », declared Seidl.
The appointment of James is an important step in this adventure. He has a very extensive experience in sports, not only as a technical director, but also in various roles within the technical departments of different teams. He will lead the transformation process of the team’s technical part by giving us the tools and the direction to follow for the future.
James Key will succeed Jan Monchaux, whom Seidl doesn’t forget to thank: “I also want to thank Jan for his valuable contribution in leading Sauber to where it is now, after our most successful season last year in a decade, with a sixth-place finish in the constructors’ championship.”
The future member of the Swiss team also expressed his enthusiasm: “I am thrilled to be returning to Hinwill to work with both old and new colleagues at Sauber. I have excellent memories here. I am looking forward to leading the team’s technical department during one of the most crucial moments in its long history. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident that every team member will have the commitment, determination, and hunger to take us to the top.”
Sauber and Alfa Romeo will end their partnership at the end of the season. The Swiss team still has two years ahead of them before joining Audi from 2026. As for the Italian brand, their commitment in F1 could continue with another team. (Source: Alfa Romeo Haas)
