Currently reading: Vettel announced as Infiniti's Director of Performance

Sebastian Vettel is to extend his involvement in the development of future Infiniti models

Infiniti has announced that Sebastian Vettel is its new Director of Performance.

The announcement, made at the New York motor show today, sees the reigning F1 world champion extend his relationship with Infiniti.

Infiniti says that Vettel has been “central to the development of the Infiniti Q50 from its early stages”, providing with feedback on the vehicle’s chassis dynamics, performance and handling. He will become more involved in the development of future Infinitis.

Both he, and Red Bull Racing test driver, Sebastien Buemi, were involved in the early stages of Q50 development at the Nürburgring, and during pre-season F1 testing at the Spanish Circuit de Catalunya.

Infiniti boss, Johan de Nysschen said: "Sebastian's talent and ability behind the wheel is unquestionable and his role in developing Infiniti vehicles has already proven invaluable."

Vettel said: "I am really happy to extend my relationship with Infiniti and become their Director of Performance. Helping to develop the Infiniti Q50 was a very different type of driving duty for me but I approached it in exactly the same way as I do my Formula One car.

"I am looking forward to working closely with Infiniti in developing more of their road cars into the future."

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.