Industry News: McLaren appoints Ian James as Dir. of Motorsport
McLaren Automotive today announced the appointment of Ian James as Director of Motorsport, overseeing all of McLaren Automotive’s GT products and customer racing activities and reporting into CEO Michael Leiters, effective from December 1, 2024.
Ian James joined McLaren in 2022 as Managing Director of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, Team Principal of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team and assuming responsibility for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. This marked a return to McLaren for Ian, who began his professional career as a Manufacturing Engineer on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren program from 2001-2005.
Ian James will continue his Formula E duties in addition to his new McLaren Automotive Motorsport role. His appointment strengthens the sporting links and strategies between the McLaren Automotive and Racing divisions, which currently compete in the Formula 1, World Endurance and Formula E World Championships as well as IndyCar in the USA.
Ian James replaces Mick McDonagh, who will be retiring after more than four years with McLaren Automotive. Mick, who has played an instrumental role at McLaren in multiple positions across the business and oversaw McLaren’s entry into FIA WEC with racing partner United Autosports, will be supporting the leadership transition.
The appointment coincides with McLaren and United Autosports confirming their continued participation in WEC for the 2025 season subject to entries being officially confirmed. This follows McLaren’s debut campaign which included a historic return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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. 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.”
Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
