McLaren Automotive has appointed its current Formula E team principal, Ian James, as Director of Motorsport, overseeing all of McLaren Automotive’s GT products and customer racing activities.
James, not to be confused with The Heart of Racing team principal who bears the same name, will report into CEO Michael Leiters. He takes up his new position, which is an addition, and not a replacement to his Formula E duties, from December 1, 2024 though he was on site in Bahrain for the final round of the 2024 FIA WEC.
James joined McLaren in 2022 as MD of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and the team principal of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. This marked a return to McLaren after he began his professional career as a manufacturing engineer on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren programme from 2001-2005.
He replaces Mick McDonagh, who will be retiring after more than four years with McLaren Automotive.
The appointment coincides with McLaren and United Autosports confirming its continued participation in WEC for the 2025 season subject to entries being officially confirmed. This follows McLaren’s debut campaign which included a historic return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In addition, two more new leadership roles have been created in McLaren Motorsport.
Long time factory driver Rob Bell will take on the role of sporting director and chief engineer Malcolm Gerrish will take on the role of technical and operations director, with both reporting into James.
“I look forward to welcoming Ian and enhancing collaboration with our Racing colleagues,” said Leiters, the CEO of McLaren Automotive.
“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.”
