McLaren-bound Key not to be replaced

Red Bull Racing motorsport advisor, Dr Helmut Marko, has revealed that technical director James Key will not be replaced by anybody at junior side, Toro Rosso.

McLaren have managed to persuade the highly-rated engineer to join the Woking-based team from Toro Rosso, but negotiations have been very complicated; with both teams disagreeing on when Key can start at McLaren.

But Marko has confirmed that Toro Rosso will not be replacing their technical director with anyone else due to the relationship with Red Bull and Toro Rosso growing even more ahead of the 2019 campaign.

"We can't have almost the same technical team in Faenza (Toro Rosso's HQ) as in Milton Keynes (Red Bull's HQ) in terms of number of people," Marko said to Motorsport.com.

"The concepts were worked out. These concepts have not been fully implemented on this day. One factor was that James Key was not so happy with them. All in all, the solution we wanted is finally there. And it was easier without James Key.

"The position will not be filled. The technical director, in this sense, is no longer necessary because the concept (for the car) comes from Red Bull Racing."

Key has been brought into try and produce a car that McLaren can take pride in, and one they can compete in after some very underwhelming seasons in Formula One.