The Triple World Touring Car Champion signed on for his new role with Multimatic earlier this year but had intended to continue racing himself.

The agreement meant he would be involved in developing new cars, work as an ambassador for the company and continue to compete on occasion.

However, several factors have contributed to his decision to step back from racing – although he says he will still compete occasionally as a “guest appearance.”

One of the reasons he has decided to stem his own race commitments now is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which means he can’t fly in and out of Guernsey as regularly as he has been used to because of quarantine rules here and elsewhere which will impact this year’s racing and potentially next year too.

With Seb’s career going from strength to strength too, Andy said he wanted to support his son in the same way his own father did for him.

“This is a new and exciting move for me, but I do admit I will miss a little bit the thrill of the weekly racing battles. However, I have projects with Multimatic that will need a lot of my attention and I would not be able to give them that if I was still racing full-time. I am also a proud racing father and want to give Seb the support I was lucky enough to have from my own father. However, I have promised the Multimatic guys that I will not be what they call in Canada a ‘hockey dad’!”

Andy was racing in the FIA World Touring Car Cup for Lynk & Co Cyan Racing and said it was a very difficult decision to not continue with the team.

“I had a great season with them and can’t thank the team enough for this opportunity. It was a tough call not to take up their offer to continue, but as things have changed so much and with Seb’s career taking off I had to take look at the bigger picture and not at just being a racing driver.

Pictured: Seb Priaulx is still only a teenager but has claimed his first trophies. 

“I am proud of being part of the first Chinese team to win a world championship and my victory in Macau last year, my spiritual racing home, will stay in my memory for ever. I wish them all the best and will be cheering on all my friends in the team and hope they can repeat their success.”

Andy said that his new direction means he is looking at developing roles both inside and outside the car, which might see him racing occasionally in the future. 

“I am particularly excited about being involved in all aspects of the planning of projects, and feel my many years of experience behind the wheel will play an important role in what I am doing outside the car. Although, having said that, don’t be surprised if I don my helmet and overalls for the odd guest appearance.”

Pictured top: Andy Priaulx. (Image from andypriaulx.com)