F1: Paffett to leave McLaren

Gary Paffett will leave McLaren at the end of the season after the team's switch from Mercedes to Honda power.

Since joining the team in 2006, Paffett has had roles as both test and reserve driver, working to develop McLaren's F1 cars and coming close to a race seat in 2007. However, with Paffett racing for Mercedes in DTM next season, the switch to Honda power units means his association with McLaren will come to an end.

"I've loved working for McLaren and hope my feedback and input over the years has been beneficial," Paffett said. "The engineers I've worked with have been kind enough to say that it has. I have many friends at McLaren, and I wish all of them the very best of luck for the future. Fingers crossed for a McLaren grand prix win or two next year!"

McLaren COO and acting CEO Jonathan Neale said Paffett's work over the past eight years had been "hugely important" for the team.

"Gary has been an excellent member of the McLaren team for the best part of a decade, and his technical input, on test track and in simulator alike, has been hugely important to us. Just as important, he's a great guy. We wish him well."