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[Denthúl]

Did not expect to see this, I think Norbert is a really cool guy.

Norbert Haug to leave Mercedes role at the end of 2012
By Jamie O'Leary Thursday, December 13th 2012, 12:45 GMT

Mercedes Norbert HaugNorbert Haug will leave his role as Mercedes motorsport chief at the end of 2012 after 22 years in the role.

The 60-year-old German oversaw Mercedes' return to Formula 1 in 1994, initially as an engine supplier with Sauber and then McLaren.

Mercedes returned as a full constructor in 2010 when the manufacturer bought the then world champion Brawn team.

In his time in charge Mercedes-powered drivers and teams have won 87 grands prix and a total of six world titles.

"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," Haug said.

"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.

"Unfortunately, with one victory in 2012 since founding our own Formula 1 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."

Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Mercedes owner Daimler, paid tribute to Haug's commitment over the past 22 years.

"Norbert Haug was the face of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for more than 20 years," he said.

"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 1.

"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."

Mercedes DTM driver Gary Paffett said he was sorry Haug was leaving.

"Sad to see a man that has done so much for me move on," he wrote on Twitter.

Haug has not revealed what he plans to do following his Mercedes departure.

[vlad]

Could it perhaps be involved with Schumi leaving?

[stonemonkey]

Could it perhaps be involved with Schumi leaving?

I don't really follow that line of thinking, perhaps if Schumi was staying I could see the reasoning.

[What's Burning?]

It doesn't say he's retiring, it doesn't say if he's going somewhere else and it doesn't say who will take over the role. Lot's of questions.

[Hammer278]

What's the REASON?

[Ichabod]

It doesn't say he's retiring, it doesn't say if he's going somewhere else and it doesn't say who will take over the role. Lot's of questions.

Not retiring, Mclaren and Niki Lauder

these are my predictions

[myownalias]

What's the REASON?

Lewis Hamilton arrives; Norbert Haug leaves; maybe Haug wasn't happy with the decision to hire Lewis; maybe he was outvoted by other team/board members... it's all very interesting!

[bud]

It's not just his F1 role he's quitting, all Merc motorsport involvement he had such as DTM, where you'd see him on the pit wall.

[andrew]

Haug to leave Mercedes

He leaving the company and not just quitting his motorsport role. It looks like he has left by "mutual agreement". I suspect that he could be the sacrificial lamb for Mercedes lack of success in F1 over the plast 3 seasons.

[Hammer278]

What's the REASON?

Lewis Hamilton arrives; Norbert Haug leaves; maybe Haug wasn't happy with the decision to hire Lewis; maybe he was outvoted by other team/board members... it's all very interesting!

He's not quitting the race team, he's quitting the entire company. The race team is probably Merc's 5% interest at most, Haug could've easily left the race team for another position if he hated the decision so much.

[What's Burning?]

What's the REASON?

Lewis Hamilton arrives; Norbert Haug leaves; maybe Haug wasn't happy with the decision to hire Lewis; maybe he was outvoted by other team/board members... it's all very interesting!

He's not quitting the race team, he's quitting the entire company. The race team is probably Merc's 5% interest at most, Haug could've easily left the race team for another position if he hated the decision so much.

Well that's what I meant, given the announcement he's either retiring, moving on to a different manufacturer or career.

[The Second Coming]

There are a few very subtle clues as to Haug's departure. The phrase "by mutual agreement"...something regularly used when someone is asked to leave an organization. Companies typically use that language to dissuade any potential employers from overlooking a candidate for future employment. The second clue was Haug volunteering the bit at the end about "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. 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." Seems to me, he was being hung out to dry on the three year failure of the F1 project. With Lewis coming onboard and results in the offing, Mercedes will later to be able to justify Haug's departure by saying, "See, it took re-organzation in order for the team to come good." A bit dodgy if you ask me but...

I'm just saying...

[andrew]

I think someone hinted at that earlier.

[bud]

Perhaps in the deal to buy BrawnGP there was a performance clause for Haug. I know many Mercedes board members were against owning an F1 team and still are.
So Haugs fallen on his sword it would seem, unfortunate with the coming of Lewis who could change their fortunes.

[Denthúl]

It would suck if he was pushed out. Maybe another team will pick him up though, he's a very good man to have around.