Norbert Haug

Norbert Haug (born 24 November 1952 in Engelsbrand, Baden-Württemberg) is a German journalist, and the former Vice President of Mercedes-Benz motorsport activity, including Formula One, Formula 3 and DTM. Under his direction Mercedes-Benz enjoyed considerable success in all categories, winning multiple races and championships.

Norbert Haug
Haug in 2019
Born (1952-11-24) 24 November 1952
Engelsbrand, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
NationalityGerman
OccupationVice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
Known forJournalist
Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
SuccessorToto Wolff
Spouse(s)Married
Children1 daughter

Journalist

Haug joined the Pforzheimer Zeitung newspaper in his home town of Pforzheim as a volunteer, before joining them as a trainee journalist. He then joined publishing house Motor-Presse-Verlag in Stuttgart, part of Gruner + Jahr, where he became head of motorsports for Auto, Motor und Sport magazine before becoming its deputy chief editor in 1988.

While pursuing a career in journalism he also raced cars, including the 24 Hours Nürburgring where he came second in 1985, and took part, like many in Formula One, in the Porsche Carrera Cup. In 1986, Haug drove a Williams F1 car in private test.

Mercedes-Benz
Haug together with Bernd Schneider (on the left) and Dieter Zetsche (right) in 2008

Haug joined Mercedes-Benz in 1990, with a brief to revive their motor sport credentials. Haug maintained Mercedes presence in Group C and later in the DTM and International Touring Car Championship. Early successes included Klaus Ludwig winning the DTM drivers title in 1992 and 1994, and Bernd Schneider winning both the DTM and ITC drivers titles in 1995. In 2000 Haug and Mercedes were instrumental in the relaunch of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. On December 13, 2012, it was announced that Haug would leave his role and the company at the end of 2012.[1]

Formula One

Under Haug's direction, Mercedes-Benz re-entered Formula One after almost 40 years. In 1993 Haug negotiated a partnership with Peter Sauber, with engineering assistance which resulted in Sauber team cars having the words Concept by Mercedes-Benz on their engine bay flanks. In 1994 Haug negotiated Mercedes-Benz entry to the CART championship, and the Sauber-Mercedes cars were now officially powered by Mercedes-Benz badged engines, developed by the company's development arrangement with United Kingdom based manufacturer Ilmor.

After the serious accident at the Monaco Grand Prix which resulted in injury to Karl Wendlinger, and with Team McLaren looking for a new engine supplier, Haug negotiated Mercedes-Benz partnership with McLaren from the 1995 season.

Personal life

Haug is married, with one daughter.

References
  1. Gilbert, Eric. "Norbert Haug out of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport". motorsport.com. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
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