McLaren shareholder Mansour Ojjeh dies, aged 68

McLaren

McLaren shareholder Mansour Ojjeh dies, aged 68

Ojjeh had been a shareholder with the team since 1984

Sam Hall

Sunday 6 June 2021 12:12 Updated: 12:35

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McLaren has announced the passing of shareholder Mansour Ojjeh. He was 68.

In a statement released on Sunday morning, McLaren offered its condolences to the family of Paris-born Saudi billionaire Ojjeh.

"It is with deep sadness that McLaren Racing announces the death of Mansour Ojjeh, shareholder of McLaren since 1984," read the statement.

"Mr Ojjeh passed away peacefully this morning in Geneva, aged 68, surrounded by his family.

"A full statement will be made in due course.

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"All at McLaren Racing mourn his loss together with his family, to whom the team sends its most heartfelt condolences."

Last year, Ojjeh was replaced on the McLaren board by his son, Sultan, although the change did not affect his shareholding.

In 2013, Ojjeh underwent a double lung transplant after a four-year battle with IPF lung disease. During this time, his brother, Aziz, assumed a temporary role on the McLaren board.

Ojjeh twice represented McLaren on the podium, joining Miki Hakkinen at the 1998 Spanish Grand Prix and later Kimi Raikkonen at the chaotic 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Brown hails Ojjeh a "titan" of F1

Adding his condolences, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown described Ojjeh as a "constant inspiration".

"The passing of Mansour Ojjeh has devastated everyone at McLaren Racing," he said.

"Mansour has been etched into the heart and soul of this team for nearly 40 years and was intrinsic to its success. He was a true racer in every sense. Ultra-competitive, determined, passionate and, above all, perhaps his defining characteristic: sporting. No matter the intensity of the battle, Mansour always put sport first.

"Mansour was a titan of our sport, yet modest, unassuming and disarming to all he encountered. His easy manner, sharp wit and warm humour touched all those who were fortunate to know him.

"His love of this team was palpable for all to see and those of us privileged to work for McLaren will remember Mansour as an impressive yet humble, human, father-figure who showed us at the most individual, personal level how to fight adversity and be resilient.

"He will remain in death what he was in life: a constant inspiration to all of us at McLaren and beyond. Mansour’s legacy is secure. It is woven into this team and perpetual. We race on as he would wish, our resolve stronger than ever, with his memory and legacy forever in our hearts and minds.

"All at McLaren Racing express their deepest sympathies to his entire family."