McLaren has confirmed that sporting director Sam Michael is to leave the team at the end of the season and return with his family to his native Australia.
Michael tendered his resignation back in March, and a team source says it was “reluctantly accepted” by Ron Dennis. It’s been stressed that this is a personal decision by Michael, who has two children.
The 43-year-old worked briefly on the domestic racing scene while still an engineering student, before travelling to Europe in 1993. Since then he has worked with Lotus, Jordan, Williams and McLaren.
He will attend the remaining races of this season.
Meanwhile McLaren has categorically denied suggestions in Italy that COO Jonathan Neale and technical director Tim Goss are also leaving the company.
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog 