Mansour Ojjeh, a shareholder in the McLaren Formula 1 team for almost four decades, has died aged 68.
McLaren announced on Sunday morning that Ojjeh died in Geneva surrounded by his family.
Ojjeh’s father founded the Techniques d’Avant Garde – better known by its TAG moniker – company that formed a partnership with new McLaren boss Ron Dennis in the early 1980s, having previously had a short alliance with Williams.
Ojjeh became a shareholder in McLaren in 1984 and, alongside Dennis, was an influential presence in the team’s hierarchy through its championship-winning era.
“The passing of Mansour Ojjeh has devastated everyone at McLaren Racing,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“Mansour has been etched into the heart and soul of this team for nearly 40 years and was intrinsic to its success.
“He was a true racer in every sense. Ultra-competitive, determined, passionate and, above all, perhaps his defining characteristic: sporting. No matter the intensity of the battle, Mansour always put sport first.
“Mansour was a titan of our sport, yet modest, unassuming and disarming to all he encountered. His easy manner, sharp wit and warm humour touched all those who were fortunate to know him.
“His love of this team was palpable for all to see and those of us privileged to work for McLaren will remember Mansour as an impressive yet humble, human, father-figure who showed us at the most individual, personal level how to fight adversity and be resilient.
“He will remain in death what he was in life: a constant inspiration to all of us at McLaren and beyond. Mansour’s legacy is secure. It is woven into this team and perpetual. We race on as he would wish, our resolve stronger than ever, with his memory and legacy forever in our hearts and minds.”
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also paid tribute to Ojjeh.
“I was shocked to hear that our very good friend Mansour has passed away,” he said.
“He was someone with incredible talent, passion and energy and was a giant of our sport. I will miss him greatly and so will the whole F1 community.”
A minute’s silence will be held for Ojjeh and former FIA boss Max Mosley prior to the start of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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