Norbert Haug, the bloke who looks like a favourite uncle, will depart his role as Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport at the end of the year. He’s been trackside with the three-pointed star for a touch over 22 years. By mutual agreement his contract won’t be renewed.
“I would like to thank the best car company in the world for more than 22 years, which never had a single moment without passion for me. I particularly wish to thank the Board for the trust and freedom they have always given me with all my activities,” said Haug. “Unfortunately, with one victory in 2012 since founding our own Formula One works team in 2010, we couldn’t fulfil our own expectations.”
During Uncle Norbert’s watch Mercedes-Benz powered Formula 1 cars won 87 grands prix. More impressively, he has overseen a total of 986 races, in a variety of categories, winning almost half, with 439 victories. Mercedes’ success in the DTM, too, is enviable, claiming around 60% of the titles available to him and 54% of races.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars and CEO of Daimler AG, signed off on Haug’s depature by saying: “Norbert Haug was the face of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for more than 20 years. For me, he put his stamp on a whole era and, as a highlight, he was responsible for the successful comeback of the Silver Arrows to Formula One.
“In the name of the Board of Management and the whole motorsport family, I would like to thank Norbert for his extraordinary commitment to the three-pointed star.”
A replacement for Haug is yet to be named.
