McLaren have been working hard to get their restructuring process in full force ever since news of all the unrest within the staff broke out.
Eric Boullier’s resignation as racing director was the first step towards a new future, a future which won’t have the matrix management structure.
And as a result they announced the ‘signing’ of James Key as technical director from Toro Rosso.
McLaren is pleased to confirm that James Key will join the team in the role of technical director. pic.twitter.com/A7HtBqS5zo
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 26, 2018
McLaren’s plan of a restructuring programme was just about to take shape, when Toro Rosso dropped a bomb, as Franz Tost came up with a statement saying that James Key still had a long term contract with Toro Rosso and that the details of the contract could not be revealed.
“James Key has a long term valid contract with the team. The contents of the contract are confidential, therefore we won’t comment on any of the details.” Franz Tost said.
Franz Tost:
“James Key has a long term valid contract with the team. The contents of the contract are confidential, therefore we won’t comment on any of the details.” pic.twitter.com/RUkmdrFtKj
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) July 26, 2018
The above statement from Tost has left the F1 fraternity a little confused and certainly McLaren would be taken aback by it.
Is Key leaving despite an affirmation from Toro Rosso? Surely Red Bull would have a say then and would try and use few of their powers as employers to stop or possibly delay this deal.
Are we in for a boxing duel between Toro Rosso and McLaren?