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The Alfa Romeo Formula One team have appointed James Key as technical director ahead of Audi’s entrance into the sport.
Confirmed:
- Key to commence role from 1st September 2023
- Briton previously served as technical director at Hinwil between 2010 and 2012
- He replaces Jan Monchaux, who departs after four years
- The appointment coincides with Sauber’s preparations to welcome Audi from 2026
Context: Key may have been moved aside recently by McLaren, but he remains highly rated in Formula One. Key worked closely with Andreas Seidl while the pair were at McLaren, and the German has wasted little time in reuniting the two since being made chief executive of Sauber Group at the end of last year.
Comment: Seidl said: “I am delighted to welcome James back home to Hinwil as he joins us to shape the future of this team. The operation he will find has changed a lot since his time here, but the same drive, the same commitment that contributed to making the team successful in his previous experience are still the same.
“I am sure that, together with this very talented and committed team, we will be able to continue on the path of growth on which we have embarked. James’s appointment is a crucial step on this journey: he has an outstanding amount of experience in the sport, not just as Technical Director, but also in various other roles within the technical organisation of a team."
Coming next: Key’s previous stint at Hinwil culminated in a car that achieved four podiums during the 2012 season, so the hope is a return to familiar surroundings can reinvogorate a stagnant team, especially ahead of Sauber’s shift to a works team from the 2026 season under Audi’s guidance.