Lotus promote Federico Gastaldi to deputy team principal - The team shore up management as the season begins in Australia
Published by Christine
Moments before the first free practice session in Australia was about to get underway, Lotus revealed they had a new management appointment. Federico Gastaldi, previously director of business development at the team, has been promoted to the deputy team principal role, supporting Gérard Lopez.
The reshuffling at Lotus comes off the back of Éric Boullier’s departure for McLaren. Lopez stepped up to the team prin cipal role but admits he won’t be present at every single race, which is where the deputy role comes in.
Gastaldi knows they have a challenge, particularly as he was on the pit wall for the two practice sessions completed already - in which the team managed two laps in the morning, and just twelve in the afternoon.
Their problems included gearbox leaks and wiring loom issues, so the team are working hard to get ready for their final practice opportunity on Saturday morning. Gastaldi says his main task is “to ensure rapid progress with our car for this season.”
