---
title: "Fernley leaves Force India deputy team principal role"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2018/08/23/fernley-leaves-deputy-team-principal-role-at-force-india/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Kyran Gibbons"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2018-08-23T15:51:58Z"
modified: "2018-08-23T15:52:48Z"
---

# Fernley leaves Force India deputy team principal role

Bob Fernley has left his role as Force India deputy team principal with immediate effect following the Formula 1 team’s recent sale to a Lawrence Stroll-led consortium of investors.

Fernley has served as the deputy team principal at the Silverstone outfit since Spyker was purchased by Vijay Mallya to become Force India in 2008.

During his decade in the role, Fernley has largely been in charge of race weekend operations. His prominence in the paddock had been elevated by team principal Mallya’s inability to attend races outside of the UK in recent times.

It is believed that Fernley has vacated his position by [mutual consent](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11479376/fernley-leaves-force-india).

The new owners have established Force India’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer at the head of a revised management structure, while technical director Andrew Green remains in his post.

Force India entered administration prior to last month’s Hungarian Grand Prix. During Formula 1’s summer break, the team was purchased by a consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll – father of Williams driver Lance.

The consortium is believed to be on the verge of sealing a full rebrand of Force India, with the team’s current name having been removed for the trucks and signage prior to this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

However, Stroll’s consortium was blocked from obtaining the Force India entry and instead purchased the assets of the team last week. As a result, it is possible that the Silverstone squad will compete at Spa-Francorchamps as an entirely new entry.

It is unclear whether the paperwork for the deal can be signed in time for this weekend’s race. Dispensation would be required for the team to compete as Force India if a new entry cannot be finalised.