McLaren Automotive Appoints Giorgio Sanna as New Head of Motorsport
McLaren Automotive has announced the appointment of Giorgio Sanna as its new head of motorsport, a role previously held by Ian James. Sanna, a 50-year-old Italian, is stepping into this position after successfully leading Lamborghini’s motorsport initiatives, including the Huracan GT3 and the Super Trofeo one-make race series. His tenure at Lamborghini saw him become the first head of the marque’s in-house Squadra Corse competition department from 2015 to 2024.
Sanna will now oversee McLaren’s racing activities, including the 720S GT3 EVO and the Artura GT4, as well as the one-make McLaren Trophy with the Artura. He will report directly to Jonathan Simms, director of McLaren Special Operations and motorsport. Simms expressed his confidence in Sanna’s leadership, stating that his appointment strengthens McLaren’s motorsport division, which is crucial to the brand’s identity.
“Giorgio Sanna’s appointment as our new head of motorsport further strengthens a division of McLaren Automotive that is integral to our brand DNA,” said Simms. “Maintaining a strong and enduring connection to our racing heritage firmly aligns us with our most passionate and committed clients, and securing a recognised leader in the GT racing arena to lead McLaren motorsport signals our determination to drive growth in this area.”
Sanna was also instrumental in the development of Lamborghini’s SC63 LMDh project, although it is currently on hold. Before his role at Lamborghini, he was a successful GT and touring car driver, starting his career with the brand as a test driver for its road car research and development division in 2001.
In March 2024, it was announced that Sanna had left Lamborghini with immediate effect, though no specific reasons were provided. Ian James took over as McLaren Automotive motorsport boss in November of the previous year, combining the role with his position as team principal of McLaren’s Formula E team. James is now moving to Jaguar following McLaren’s withdrawal from Formula E, replacing James Barclay, who is now team principal of McLaren’s LMDh programme.
McLaren’s Expansion into Endurance Racing
McLaren’s foray into endurance racing has been a significant focus in recent years. The brand’s entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the LMDh co-developed by Dallara Automobili is a project run by McLaren Racing, which includes the brand’s Formula 1 and IndyCar operations. This initiative marks a strategic move for McLaren to expand its presence in high-profile motorsport series.
The LMDh project is part of a broader vision for McLaren Automotive, which has been owned since April this year by CYVN Holdings, an investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government. This ownership change also included a minority stake in McLaren Racing, signaling continued support for the brand’s motorsport ambitions.
Future Plans and Vision
With Sanna’s appointment, McLaren Automotive is looking to solidify its position in the GT racing scene. His experience and track record in developing competitive programs are expected to bring new energy and direction to the team. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, McLaren’s commitment to motorsport remains a key pillar of its brand strategy.
The upcoming 2027 LMDh show car is another highlight of McLaren’s future plans. This model is set to be a showcase of the brand’s engineering prowess and its dedication to innovation in endurance racing. Additionally, there are plans for a trackday model, which will allow enthusiasts to experience the performance of McLaren’s racing technology on the road.
As the motorsport world watches closely, the combination of Sanna’s expertise and McLaren’s rich heritage positions the brand for continued success in both racing and the broader automotive industry.