Sam Michael can’t wait to link up with British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button following the announcement that he is to join McLaren as sporting director.

Michael is shortly due to leave the Grove-based Williams team where he has spent the last 11 seasons, initially as chief operations engineer, and since 2004 as technical director.

Williams opted for a shake up of personnel at the start of the season in a bid to turn around their ailing fortunes.

This included the departure of the experienced Michael, who has spent the last 18 years in Formula 1.

Williams and Michael agreed he would remain on board until later this year to help facilitate the changes.

As sporting director at McLaren, a role he will start from next year, Michael will be taking specific responsibility for the development and management of the team’s trackside operations.

Michael, whose last race with the team will be at the Singapore Grand Prix on September 25, said: “Being a racer my whole life, I know McLaren is one of the all-time greats of Formula 1.

“I already know and respect many of the team's senior technical management figures, and becoming a member of that excellent working unit was one of the prime attractions of this new position.

“Equally, for some time I’ve closely observed and greatly admired both Lewis (Hamilton) and Jenson (Button) as grade-one drivers, and, therefore, regard it as an enormous privilege to be able to work with both of them.

“I’ve spent 11 seasons with WilliamsF1, have many fond memories, and truly wish them all the best.

“In the near future, however, I will become 100 per cent focused on McLaren.”

Frank Williams, founder and team principal of AT&T Williams, said: “I am delighted that Sam has found a new role that will enable him to continue to apply his energy, passion and experience to Formula 1.”

Williams’ technical operation will now be led by Mike Coughlan and Jason Somerville, with Mark Gillan joining as chief operations engineer on Monday.