Fernley will lead McLaren’s 2019 Indianapolis 500 programme

Fernley will report directly to Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and will lead the McLaren 2019 Indianapolis 500 programme, when Fernando Alonso will attempt to secure the Triple Crown of motorsport.

Fernley is a widely experienced and respected figure within the world of motorsport, with relationships across the industry. His extensive career portfolio most recently includes a role as Deputy Team Principal at the Force India Formula 1 team, and previously a focus on North American motorsport, including successful periods in IndyCar.

Fernley’s appointment is consistent with McLaren Racing’s plan to run its IndyCar programme as a separate entity to its Formula 1 activities. Fernley will build and lead a technical team entirely focused on the 2019 Indy 500, while helping to evaluate the feasibility of a longer-term McLaren involvement in IndyCar.

Further details on the 2019 McLaren Indy 500 project will be shared in due course.

Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing, said:

“Bob is a fantastic operator and someone I respect greatly. His experience and leadership will be essential for us on this project. He is particularly talented at putting effective teams together and extracting maximum performance with finite resources. The Indy 500 is no easy race and Bob’s is a key role, so I’m delighted he’s on board.”

Bob Fernley, President, McLaren IndyCar, said:

“Heading back to The Brickyard will be a very special experience for me and I am proud to be leading this McLaren project and team. The 500 is a hell of a challenge and we have incredibly strong competitors to overcome if we’re to be successful. We will need to prepare well for the month of May and that work starts now.”