51-year-old engineer set to take key role at Alfa Romeo this year after leaving McLaren

Follow us on Google Discover

Alfa Romeo have announced that James Key will become the team’s Technical Director later this year.

The announcement was made on the Sauber Group’s official website this morning, with Key replacing Jan Monchaux.

James Key, who used to work for the Sauber team from 2010 to 2012, will officially start his new gig on September 1, 2023.

It will be Key’s first role since leaving McLaren earlier this year.

The Alfa Romeo team sees his appointment as a “statement of intent” as they gear up to become Audi’s works team in 2026.

Key has quite the track record, having worked for various teams including Jordan Grand Prix, where he became youngest Technical Director in Formula 1 at the age of 33.

He’s also had stints at Sauber, Toro Rosso, and McLaren.

Speaking about his new role, Key said, “I am delighted to be returning to Hinwil to work with old, and new, colleagues at Sauber; I have very fond memories of my time there before.”

He’s ready to take the lead in the technical side of the team, especially during this crucial time in its history as they head towards an exciting future.

James Key announced as new Alfa Romeo Technical Director

Key has admitted that it will take a couple of seasons to achieve the results the team desire.

Andreas Seidl, Sauber Group CEO, couldn’t be happier about having Key back on board.

“I am delighted to welcome James back home to Hinwil as he joins us to shape the future of this team,” Seidl said.

“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.”

Seidl also took a moment to show some appreciation for Jan Monchaux, thanking him for his valuable contribution to Sauber’s recent success.

“I also want to thank Jan for his precious contribution to taking Sauber to where it is now, following our most successful season in a decade, in which we climbed to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship,” Seidl said.

Alfa Romeo currently sit eighth in the Constructors’ Championship, having only scored eight points in seven races.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have scored four points each but will be disappointed with this season’s results.

They will hope under Key that they can improve before teaming up with Audi in 2026.

One driver on the grid has already been tipped to potentially drive for the new works team when they enter the sport.