Giorgio Sanna Appointed Head of Motorsport at McLaren Automotive
McLaren Automotive has officially appointed Giorgio Sanna as its new Head of Motorsport. Sanna, formerly the racing boss at Automobili Lamborghini, will oversee McLaren’s motorsport initiatives, including its GT3, GT4, and Trophy programs. He will report directly to Jonathan Simms, director of McLaren Special Operations & Motorsport.
Sanna brings a wealth of experience, having spent nine years leading Lamborghini’s racing endeavors, where he enjoyed considerable success. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including titles in both the Italian GT and Asian Le Mans Series. Notably, Sanna concluded his time at Lamborghini with a surprise resignation in March 2024.
His appointment follows the departure of Ian James, who left to take on the position of team principal for Jaguar’s Formula E team earlier this summer.
In a statement, Simms emphasized the strategic importance of Sanna’s role, citing the need to maintain a strong connection to McLaren’s racing heritage. “Giorgio Sanna’s appointment as our new Head of Motorsport further strengthens a division of McLaren Automotive that is integral to our brand DNA,” he stated. “Securing a recognized leader in the GT racing arena signals our determination to drive growth in this area.”
This leadership change underscores McLaren’s commitment to its motorsport legacy and its ambition to expand its competitive presence in the coming seasons.

