Former McLaren technical boss James Key has joined Alfa Romeo in the identical position, the group introduced on Wednesday.

Key, who left McLaren shortly after the beginning of the season, will start his new position in September, changing Jan Monchaux.

The transfer marks a return to the Swiss-based Sauber operation, which presently races below the Alfa Romeo model, the place Key was technical director between 2010 and 2012.

It additionally reunites Key with one other former McLaren colleague in Andreas Seidl, who final yr left the British outfit to change into Sauber CEO.

Seidl has been tasked with getting ready the Swiss operation for the beginning of its partnership with Audi in 2026.

Whereas Audi will construct its energy unit in Neuburg, Germany, Sauber shall be in cost with growing and manufacturing the the Audi group’s race automotive at its Switzerland HQ.

Seidl stated Key shall be important within the success of that new period.

“I’m delighted to welcome James again residence to Hinwil as he joins us to form the way forward for this group,” Seidl stated.

“The operation he’ll discover has modified loads since his time right here, however the identical drive, the identical dedication that contributed to creating the group profitable in his earlier expertise are nonetheless the identical.

“I’m positive that, along with this very proficient and dedicated group, we will proceed on the trail of development on which we have now embarked.

“James’s appointment is a vital step on this journey. He has an impressive quantity of expertise within the sport, not simply as technical director, but in addition in numerous different roles throughout the technical organisation of a group.

“He’ll lead the transformation strategy of the technical aspect of the group, giving us the instruments and course we have to deal with the longer term.

“I additionally wish to thank Jan for his treasured contribution to taking Sauber to the place it’s now, following our most profitable season in a decade, by which we climbed to sixth place within the Constructors’ Championship.”

Key began his profession with Jordan and stayed with the group because it grew to become Spyker and Power India, earlier than becoming a member of Sauber in 2010.

He joined Crimson Bull junior group Toro Rosso in late 2012 the place he cast a repute as somebody who may construct good vehicles on a restricted funds.

Key joined McLaren at the beginning of 2019. Regardless of McLaren scoring a victory on the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, the failure of 2022 and the sluggish begin in 2023 ultimately noticed him and the group half methods.