Allan McNish took on the role of Audi’s racing director shortly before the 2026 Miami Grand Prix in Formula 1. Taking over the position left by Jonathan Wheatley, the Scot revealed that having experience as a driver helps translate what Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg might need.
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Involved with the team project from the beginning, he already has a good understanding of what needs to be worked on from both a senior and driver perspective. Besides knowing the strength of the factory in Hinwil, he also closely followed the engine development in Neuburg.
And with wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a WEC title, victorious stints at Sebring, Petit Le Mans, and also a period in Formula 1, all the experience helps him better understand the competitors’ needs.
“We have a very strong team here in Race Operations, but also what Mattia [Binotto] has been building, both in Neuburg and Hinwil, is something that, in my opinion, offers extremely good support,” McNish told the F1 website.
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“Definitely, having racing experience helps, because I can see things through Nico’s [Hülkenberg] and Gabi’s [Bortoleto] eyes, which, to be honest, is something I do naturally. I can’t help it. At the same time, I also have a broader view of what is necessary from the team’s perspective, not just the driver’s.”
“And sometimes, those decisions end up being a bit different. I think these experiences will certainly help,” he concluded.
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