McNish Named Audi Racing Director After Wheatley Exit — Latest Motorsport Moves

Comment of the day

Many readers welcomed Istanbul Park’s return to the 2027 F1 calendar, while others wondered whether Zandvoort’s absence comes as regulations have evolved in ways that might have suited the venue better.

The track was interesting, so let’s see what it will bring.

Still sad to see Zandvoort go. That might actually be a really great track for the current cars. No long straights, plenty of recharge points… I mean braking points and some corners that might be more interesting since they have less downforce and grip (Scheivlak?).
Baasbas

Social media and links

Audi appoints McNish as racing director (Audi)

Allan McNish, a central figure in Audi’s motorsport activities and involved in its F1 project from the start, has been named racing director. He will coordinate trackside operations, overseeing sporting matters, engineering coordination, driver management, race strategy and garage operations, as well as on-track media and partner activities. McNish will take on trackside responsibility from the Miami Grand Prix onwards.

Wolff urges FIA to prevent possible ADUO engine upgrades altering 2026 F1 pecking order (Sky)

Toto Wolff expressed concern that certain engine upgrade decisions could affect the competitive balance for 2026. He urged the FIA to ensure any ADUO-related changes do not interfere with the existing pecking order among teams.

‘It has clearly exceeded expectations’: inside Red Bull’s F1 engine factory (The Guardian)

Laurent Mekies said concerns about Red Bull’s power unit have eased. The team still needs to recover some performance and address car issues, but Mekies expects improvements to come in due course, even if not immediately in Miami.

Dale Coyne Racing team manager Davis retires (Racer)

Mitch Davis, team manager and veteran chief mechanic of Dale Coyne Racing, has informed the team of his decision to retire effective immediately. Approaching his 70th birthday, Davis chose to pursue an opportunity outside motorsport after a long career in racing.

The MCL-HY • Revealed 04.05.26

Find out more: pic.twitter.com/jP4ygLRaQ9

— McLaren Endurance Racing (@MCLEndurance) April 24, 2026

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On this day in motorsport

• Born today in 1981: Felipe Massa, who won 11 grands prix during his career, all for Ferrari, and finished runner-up in the 2008 world championship
• Born today in 1985: Giedo van der Garde, who raced in Formula 1 for Caterham in 2013
• Born today in 1990: Jean-Eric Vergne, who spent three seasons in Formula 1 at Red Bull’s second team, then won the Formula E championship twice
• 25 years ago today five-times grand prix winner and 1985 championship runner-up Michele Alboreto died in a crash while testing an Audi R8 at the Lausitzring