Sam Michael with McLaren in Abu Dhabi
Sam Michael left his role as Technical Director of the Williams team at the end of September and it didn't take long for him to find a new position, as he signed on with McLaren. However, to prevent the transfer of information about the 2012 car, Michael was supposed to join the British team only from March 2012, but he will finally be with McLaren starting from the next race in Abu Dhabi.
Sam Michael left Williams after 12 years of collaboration, notably paying for the poor design of the FW33 this season. He resigned at the end of March 2011 but stayed until September to “train” his successor, Mark Gillan. Michael will now work with McLaren starting in Abu Dhabi, which will allow him to become familiar with the team and its way of operating.
He will serve as Sporting Director within the Woking team and was not supposed to start until March 2012. However, according to Autosport, Williams and McLaren have entered negotiations for him to begin this season. Negotiations that have been successful because, according to the British magazine, Michael will be present with McLaren for the last two races of the season, next week at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and also at the final Grand Prix in Brazil.
