James Named New McLaren Director of Motorsport

Photo: McLaren

McLaren has announced the appointment of Ian James as its new director of motorsport, overseeing all of McLaren Automotive’s GT products and customer racing activities, effective Dec. 1.

James, not to be confused with the Heart of Racing Team Principal by the same name, will report to McLaren CEO Michael Leiters.

James joined McLaren in 2022 as managing director and team principal of its Formula E team, having began his professional career as a manufacturing engineer on the Mercedes-Benz SLS McLaren program from 2001-05.

He will continue his Formula E  duties in addition to his new McLaren Automotive Motorsport role.

James replaces Mick McDonagh, who will be retiring after more than four years with McLaren Automotive.

In addition to this appointment, two new leadership roles have been created in McLaren Motorsport.

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 Ian.

“I look forward to welcoming Ian and enhancing collaboration with our racing colleagues,” said Leiters.

“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.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John