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# Podcast: F1’s latest surprise tech director switch explained
- URL: https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/podcast-f1s-latest-surprise-technical-director-switch-explained/
- Published: 2023-06-07T18:41:24.000Z
- Updated: 2023-11-28T10:52:15.000Z
- Description: Former McLaren technical chief James Key is rejoining his old colleague Andreas Seidl at the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team that’s on the way to becoming Audi. Is he the right signing? The Race F1 Podcast debates it
- Author: Matt Beer
- Tags: Formula 1, #image-bottom-center, #mclaren, #alfa-romeo

Former McLaren technical chief James Key is rejoining his old colleague Andreas Seidl at the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team that’s on the way to becoming Audi.

Given McLaren’s decline near the end of Key’s stint there, is he the right signing for a team that’s transforming into a major manufacturer’s F1 operation?

Or do any sceptics about the move discount Key’s previous F1 achievements – including with Sauber – too quickly?

That’s what Edd Straw, Mark Hughes and Matt Beer debate on The Race F1 Podcast.

Alfa Romeo’s “very Saubery” 2023 form, its progress towards becoming Audi, Zhou Guanyu’s progress and Valtteri Bottas’s disappointing season so far all get discussed too.

The Race F1 Podcast is available free to subscribe to from all good podcast suppliers, including [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-race-f1-podcast/id1495557562?ref=the-race.com) and [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/5jYPRckNa9oSZAiuURm8WZ?ref=the-race.com).