McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has praised departing Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug's "crucial" contribution to his squad's success.
Mercedes announced on Thursday that Haug, who has been its motorsport boss since 1991, would leave the company at the end of the season. McLaren has used Mercedes engines in Formula 1 since 1995, and was the manufacturer's official works partner until it set up its own factory team in 2010.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Norbert for all the help and support he's offered McLaren over many years," Whitmarsh said. "The period since McLaren and Mercedes-Benz first teamed up in Formula 1 in the mid-90s has been a successful and enjoyable one, and Norbert's influence and guidance have been crucial contributors to that enjoyment and success.
"His love of motorsport is genuine and profound, as is his natural racer's competitiveness. On behalf of everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I wish him well for the future."