McLaren and Audi to Depart with Longtime Senior Employees
In a notable shift, both McLaren and Audi will see key members of their communications teams leave by the end of September, signaling further changes within various Formula 1 teams.
McLaren Says Goodbye to Sophie Ogg
Sophie Ogg will conclude her tenure as Communications Director of McLaren’s F1 communications team at the end of September, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marking her final race in the team’s signature papaya colors. Ogg joined McLaren in February 2022, previously serving as the head of communications at Williams from 2010 to 2022.
Her departure is understood to be influenced by personal circumstances and the lengthy commute to McLaren’s Technology Centre in Woking. McLaren expressed best wishes as they initiate the search for her successor. Ogg’s exit follows the earlier departure of Steve Atkins, the chief communications officer, who left in February for personal reasons.
Audi’s Communications Director Steps Down
Similarly, Guido Stalmann, Audi’s head of communication, will leave his post at the end of this month. Stalmann, who also holds the title of director of partnerships, communication, and business affairs, joined Audi in December 2021 and was instrumental in shaping the communications strategy as the brand integrated into Sauber.
Before Audi, Stalmann managed communications for BMW during its involvement with Williams at the turn of the millennium and played a key role in the brand’s entry into F1 alongside Sauber in 2006. The communications teams in F1 have undergone significant changes this year, with Ogg and Stalmann being the latest high-profile departures.
Recent Shake-ups in F1 Communications Teams
This year has seen a number of upheavals within F1 communications. In July, Red Bull’s head of communications, Paul Smith, was dismissed, coinciding with changes in the company’s leadership structure, which included relieving Christian Horner of his operational duties. Smith has not yet been replaced, although former communications chief Eric Silbermann has returned to guide senior managers Alice Hedworth and Anna Webster.
Also noteworthy is the recent move of Julianna Jackson, formerly with Red Bull, to Williams, effective during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Meanwhile, Adrian Atkinson, the former chief communications officer at Aston Martin, has announced his new role as Executive Director of Global Motorsports Communications at General Motors, focusing on various racing activities, including Formula 1.
Currently, the most tenured communications leader in the F1 circuit is Fabiana Valenti of Racing Bulls, who has been with the team since its Minardi days in 2000. Following her is Mercedes’ Bradley Lord, who has been with the team since 2011 and holds the position of chief communications officer. Aston Martin’s Will Hings, who joined in April 2011, is also part of the senior communications leadership within the sport.
