Norbert Haug

Norbert Haug
Haug in 2019
Born	(1952-11-24)24 November 1952 Engelsbrand,West Germany
Occupation	Journalist
Known for	Vice PresidentMercedes-Benz Motorsport
Successor	Toto Wolff
Spouse	Married
Children	1 daughter

Norbert Friedrich Haug(born 24 November 1952) is a German journalist and the former vice president ofMercedes-Benz motorsportactivity, includingFormula One,Formula 3andDTM.Under his direction, Mercedes-Benz enjoyed considerable success in all categories, winning multiple races and championships.

Journalist

Haug worked for thePforzheimer Zeitungnewspaper in his home town ofPforzheimas a volunteer, before joining them as a trainee journalist. He then moved on to the publishing houseMotor-Presse-VerlaginStuttgart,which was part of theGruner + Jahrgroup, where he became head of motorsports forAuto, Motor und Sportmagazine before becoming its deputy chief editor in 1988.

While busy pursuing a career in journalism, Haug also raced cars, including the24 Hours Nürburgringwhere he finished second in 1985. He also took part, like many people involved withFormula One,in thePorsche Carrera Cup.In 1986, was given the opportunity to privately test a Williams F1 car.

Mercedes-Benz

Haug together withBernd Schneider(left) andDieter Zetsche(right) in 2008

Haug joined Mercedes-Benz in 1990, with a brief to revive their motor sport credentials. Haug maintained Mercedes presence inGroup Cand later in the DTM andInternational Touring Car Championship.Early successes includedKlaus Ludwigwinning the DTM drivers title in 1992 and 1994, andBernd Schneiderwinning both the DTM and ITC drivers titles in 1995. In 2000 Haug and Mercedes were instrumental in the relaunch ofDeutsche Tourenwagen Masters.

Formula One

Under Haug's direction, Mercedes-Benz re-entered Formula One after almost 40 years. In 1993 Haug negotiated a partnership withPeter Sauber,with engineering assistance which resulted inSauberteam cars having the wordsConcept by Mercedes-Benzon their engine bay flanks. In 1994 Haug negotiated Mercedes-Benz entry to theCARTchampionship, and theSauber-Mercedescars were now officially powered by Mercedes-Benz badged engines, developed by the company's development arrangement withUnited Kingdombased manufacturerIlmor.

After the serious accident at theMonaco Grand Prixwhich resulted in injury toKarl Wendlinger,and withTeam McLarenlooking for a new engine supplier, Haug negotiated Mercedes-Benz partnership with McLaren from the 1995 season. In 2009, it was officially announced thatDaimler AGin partnership withAabar Investmentshad purchased a 75.1% stake inBrawn GP(Daimler AG: 45.1%; Aabar: 30%). Under Haug's leadership, the team was rebranded asMercedes GPfor2010.The team used the Brawn GP base inBrackleyfor its operations and Brawn stayed on as team principal until the end of the2013season. On 13 December 2012, it was announced that Haug would leave his role and the company at the end of 2012.

Personal life

Haug is married, with one daughter.