Michael was recruited by UK-based Lotus in 1993. After Team Lotus went bankrupt in 1994 Gary Anderson, the chief designer at Jordan Grand Prix, took Michael on to establish the team's research and development department. Michael spent two years working in the Jordan factory on data acquisition, and installed a seven-post rig for simulating suspension movement and designing an active differential.[2]
In 2001, Sir Frank Williams brought Michael to Williams as Senior Operations Engineer. He took over the responsibility of managing the engineers at races and tests. In May 2004, Michael was promoted to Technical Director of Williams, leaving Patrick Head to focus on engineering strategy.[2]
In late 2011, Michael joined McLaren as Sporting Director, becoming part of the senior technical management team.[4][5]
At McLaren, Michael came under pressure following a series of failures during pitstops, during the introduction of new equipment and procedures.[6]Martin Whitmarsh defended Michael's position,[7] and shortly afterwards the changes began to pay off.[8]
Return to Australia
At the end of 2014 Michael returned to Australia, after resigning from McLaren earlier that year.[9] In mid-2016, Michael joined the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety board focusing on safety in motor sport.[10] In late 2016, Michael took on a part-time mentoring role with Triple Eight Race Engineering after Ludo Lacroix moved to DJR Team Penske.[11][12]
