Formula 1 has confirmed that Steve Nielsen has become the sporting director within Ross Brawn’s Motorsport Division.
Nielsen recently left the role of sporting manager at the Williams Martini Racing team following the British Grand Prix, and has previously held similar roles at a number of other Formula 1 teams, including Scuderia Toro Rosso, Lotus, Renault, Benetton, Arrows, Tyrrell, Caterham and Honda.
His Formula 1 career began way back in 1986 with Team Lotus’ test team, but the British engineer spent the last two and a half years working with Williams, although the longest spell saw him working at Enstone, first with Benetton and then through the Renault F1 phase and then into the Lotus Renault phase.
He will take up his new position on 1 August, and he will report directly to Managing Director Brawn, who has welcomed the appointment of someone with so much experience within Formula 1 on the sporting side.
“I have known Steve for many years and have seen at first hand his skills and ability,” said Brawn on Formula1.com.
“His appointment will strengthen the working group we are setting up to work with the FIA and the teams in defining a framework for the technical and sporting regulations for Formula 1’s next phase.
“Steve’s main responsibility will be related to sporting and organisational matters, for example by attending the meetings of the Sporting Working Group.”
