Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug has announced he will retire from his role at the German manufacturer at the end of the current year.
The 60-year-old has been in the role for 22 years and has overseen Mercedes’ Formula 1 return as an engine supplier to Sauber and McLaren.
He was then involved in Mercedes decision to buy the Brawn GP team to become a fully fledged works team in 2010.
Haug gave no reason for the sudden departure.
“I would like to thank the best car company in the world for more than 22 years, which never had a single moment without passion for me,” said Haug.
“I particularly wish to thank the board for the trust and freedom they have always given me with all my activities.
“Since 1991, we had tremendous achievements and wins, for which I want to thank all of my colleagues.
“Unfortunately, with one victory in 2012 since founding our own Formula 1 works team in 2010, we couldn’t fulfil our own expectations.
“However, we have taken the right steps to be successful in the future. Our team and our drivers will do everything to achieve these goals.”
Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche thanked Haug for his dedication to the Mercedes brand.
“Norbert Haug was the face of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for more than 20 years,” he added.
“For me, he put his stamp on a whole era and, as a highlight, he was responsible for the successful comeback of the Silver Arrows to Formula 1.
“In the name of the board of management and the whole motorsport family, I would like to thank Norbert for his extraordinary commitment to the three-pointed star.”
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