The Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team has announced the appointment of James Key as its new Technical Director.
Key will officially start his new role on September 1.
The Briton links up with Alfa Romeo several months after exiting the McLaren outfit who announced a technical reshuffle shortly after the start of the 2023 season.
Key boasts over 25 years’ worth of experience in F1 and takes over the role currently occupied by Jan Monchaux.
The team says that the appointment of Key is a “statement of intent” for Sauber Motorsport as it prepares to become a works team in 2026 through the takeover by Audi.
It will not be Key’s first stint at the Hinwil-based squad – from 2010 to 2012, he worked as Sauber’s Technical Director before joining Toro Rosso.
“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 said.
“I am looking forward to leading the technical side of the team at one of the most critical junctures of its long history as we head towards a new and exciting future.
“There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, but I am confident that every single member of our team working in Hinwil will have the commitment, determination and hunger to get us to the top.
“We know it will require time, effort and perseverance, and the dividends from this work will only arrive over the next two seasons and beyond, but we have a journey ahead of us and a roadmap to follow which I am eager to get started.
“I am grateful to Andreas for the confidence he has placed in me and look forward to repaying his trust and working closely with him on the challenges and ambitions ahead.”
The Alfa Romeo team is set to be rebranded to Sauber in 2024 as the Italian car manufacturer will end its partnership ahead of Audi’s arrival.
