Michael said: “Being a racer my whole life, I know McLaren is one of the
all-time greats of Formula One.
“I already know and respect many of the team’s senior technical
management figures, and becoming a member of that excellent working unit was
one of the prime attractions of this new position.
“Equally, for some time I’ve closely observed and greatly admired both
Lewis (Hamilton) and Jenson (Button) as grade-one drivers, and therefore
regard it as an enormous privilege to be able to work with both of them.
“I’ve spent 11 seasons with WilliamsF1, have many fond memories, and
truly wish them all the best.
“In the near future, however, I will become 100 per cent focused on
McLaren, and will be aiming to ensure the team’s famous rocket-red victory
t-shirts will be seen many times over the coming years.”
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes Michael will greatly enhance his
already excellent backroom staff.
“Speaking on behalf of everyone at McLaren, I’m very pleased to welcome
Sam as an important senior addition to our race team,” said Whitmarsh.
“He’ll bring a very valuable blend of experience and expertise to our
pitwall, and will also enrich the technical management we provide for our
drivers.
“I’m certain he’ll work extremely well with our senior technical
management team, which I firmly believe will now become the strongest in all
of Formula One.”