New horizons - Ron Dennis joins UK Ministry of Defence advisory panel, F1 hires communications chief

Exiled former McLaren boss Ron Dennis has joined a new innovation advisory panel set up by the UK’s Ministry of Defence, his first public role since being forced to step down as head of the McLaren Technology Group.

The 69-year-old was appointed to the panel by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who announced the new structure during a speech to engineering students, academics and apprentices at the University of Oxford.

The other appointments to the panel are Major Tim Peake, the first British astronaut at the European Space Agency, and Ruth Mckernan, who is the Chief Executive of Innovate UK, a British government agency that was featured on the 2016 McLaren car during the final few races of Dennis’s tenure at the Woking-based team.

A MoD press release that accompanied the announcement of the innovation advisory panel explained that “the Panel will be charged with driving forward the MoD’s Innovation Initiative, which aims to encourage imagination, ingenuity and entrepreneurship, in pursuit of maintaining a military advantage in the future.”

Speaking as the news was announced, Dennis said: “There can be nothing more important than our national security, and I’m enthusiastic to be among the first of those named to this world-class Panel, who have joined MoD to spearhead their efforts to innovate across the organisation, from technology to culture – challenging the status quo, staying ahead of the curve through change and innovation.”

Since the boardroom challenge last November that ended Dennis’ 36-year association with McLaren, the team has made a number of high profile staffing changes and steps with its new car that signal it is moving on from his era.

Jost Capito, who was signed to be the team’s CEO by Dennis in January 2016, left earlier this month, and it’s 2017 challenger, the MCL32, is the first McLaren since 1981 to not feature the MP4 (Marlboro Project Four Racing) chassis tag. The new car also features a striking orange and black livery, which contrasts sharply with the largely sliver and dark livery the team has used since 1997.

First head of F1 communications appointed

In another high profile appointment today, F1 has announced its first ever Head of Communications.

Norman Howell, who has more than 30 years’ experience working in sports communications and media markets in roles that include being a journalist with the Sunday Times, head of communications at McLaren and the FIA, and helping to establish Red Bull’s Red Bulletin, has taken up his new position with immediate effect. For the past two years he has worked as F1’s head of digital, and organised the championship’s online and social media production.

Howell is one of Liberty Media’s first major appointments and he will report to Sean Bratches, F1’s new managing director of commercial operations.

Speaking as the news was announced, Bratches said: ““I am pleased to name Norman as Formula 1’s new Director of Global Communications. As we embark on an exciting new chapter in Formula 1’s history, Norman brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the newly enhanced leadership team.

“His extensive and demonstrated experience leading communications strategies for many of the world’s most prestigious motorsport brands, together with his background as a journalist and social media specialist, align well with our objectives to broaden Formula 1’s appeal and proactively engage the marketplace to elevate the exciting changes that we are envisioning and implementing.”

https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/836487189634633729

As well as appointing F1’s first ever head of communications, Liberty has very noticeably already taken steps to open up the series’ previously restrictive approach to video in social media by allowing the teams to post short video clips from the Barcelona paddock and pitlane during pre-season testing. There was even a slo-mo shot of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes going down the main straight on Mercedes' Twitter feed.

This was previously forbidden by the strict broadcasting restrictions put in place by Bernie Ecclestone’s regime to protect F1’s lucrative TV contracts with broadcasters like SKY Sports.

It shows that Liberty is serious about the promotional side of the sport and encouraging the teams to play their part in it. There have already been some very creative short film treatments from Red Bull and Mercedes in particular.