 McLaren have only scored four points this season |
Mercedes have parted company with Hans-Ulrich Maik, the man who ran the Ilmor company that builds troubled McLaren team's Formula One engines. "There was an agreement between both parties and we split," said Mercedes motorsport head Norbert Haug ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix
McLaren have suffered their worst start to an F1 season in 23 years.
Lead driver Kimi Raikkonen has suffered engine problems and mechanical failure in all three races so far.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Finn made sure everyone knew his engine had blown by continuing to run with flames shooting out the back of his car.
Haug said McLaren had carried out a management reshuffle.
Managing director Martin Whitmarsh takes on the role of company chief executive officer in charge of the McLaren-Mercedes programme.
"We didn't achieve what we wanted to achieve in the first three races but we are working very hard to come back to where we used to be," said Haug.
McLaren, winners of more races and drivers' titles than any team other than Ferrari, are now fifth in the constructors' championship with just four points.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 