Wurz and Whitmarsh refuse a director role at Manor
After the resignations of John Booth and Graeme Lowdon at the helm of Manor, owner Stephen Fitzpatrick is actively seeking replacements. Alexander Wurz and Martin Whitmarsh were both contacted but declined to take an active role within the team next season.
The announcement of the departure of Manor’s two historical leaders, John Booth and Graeme Lowdon, has been the surprise of recent weeks. Now, its owner, Stephen Fitzpatrick, is looking for a quality replacement to lead the team.
If Dave Ryan was recently announced as the competition director, it seems however that Fitzpatrick is looking for a person capable of taking on a more global role in the team’s management.
The young retiree Alexander Wurz was among the people contacted, but the Austrian did not wish to follow up on this request, as he explained to the British media BBC Sport: « After a period of reflection, I informed Stephen Fitzpatrick of my decision not to make myself available for Manor. »
Similarly, Martin Whitmarsh, the former sporting director of McLaren, was also contacted and also refused the offer, not wanting a full-time team director role in Formula 1.
Fitzpatrick continues his research by scanning wide horizons: « We have not yet offered anyone the role of team director. But I have spoken to many people and asked for advice. I have asked a lot of things from a lot of people . » confided the owner of Manor.
