Haug steps down at Mercedes

After 22 years as head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Norbert Haug will leave his position at the end of the year.

The 60-year-old has had his contract ended by mutual agreement with the Mercedes board after the Mercedes GP failed to live up to their own expectations since returning to Formula One as a fully fledged manufacturer in 2010.

The ambitious German manufacturer won their first Grand Prix in 2012, with Nico Rosberg winning the Chinese Grand Prix, but for a brand that has won multiple titles and races partnering other teams the results have not been good enough.

‘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. Since 1991, we had tremendous achievements and wins, for which I want to thank all of my colleagues.’ he told formula1.com.

?Unfortunately, with one victory in 2012 since founding our own Formula One works team in 2010, we couldn’t fulfil our own expectations. However, we have taken the right steps to be successful in the future. Our team and our drivers will do everything to achieve these goals.’

In 2013 the team will be led by 2008 Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who has opted to leave the McLaren team. The British driver will partner Nico Rosberg.

In the paddock triple world champion Niki Lauda has been named as non-executive chairman, which takes on many of the roles previously taken by Haug, whilst Ross Brawn remains as team principal.