A McLaren staff member who died in a sports car crash yesterday is from Sutton.

Ollie Bourton, 22, a former Glenthorne High School pupil, was in a blue Subaru Impreza during the collision on Wednesday afternoon near the F1 giant’s technology centre in Surrey.

He was killed along with a friend and colleague, Darren Hayes, 19, who he worked with on the production of the McLaren road cars - the commercial offshoot of the McLaren F1 team which is based at the same site in Ottershaw.

Ollie and Darren were confirmed dead at the scene following the collision with a Ford Transit on the A320 at 12.10pm.

Your Local Guardian:

Darren Hayes

The driver of the Ford Transit, a man in his 60s, was taken to St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, with serious injuries.

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses to call them as a matter of urgency on 101 quoting reference P14027978.

Mr Bourton,  loved cars and had studied Motorsports Engineering at Brooklands College after leaving Glenthorne.

Glenthorne Headteacher Stephen Hume said: “He was a fantastic pupil, very popular and likeable. He was much loved by staff and pupils at Glenthorne and will be sorely missed. He was a lovely lad and it’s so sad to lose him in such a tragic accident.

“He was always interested in cars and was very successful at karting. He always wanted to be an engineer and that’s why getting the job at McLaren was a dream come true for him. For any young man interested in engineering and cars, a job at McLaren is the plum job.

“He was chuffed when he got the job and we were all delighted for him.
“We had a staff meeting this morning and all the staff are incredibly saddened.”

Tributes have flooded in on social networking sites.

Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer of McLaren Automotive, said: “We have been informed that we have sadly lost two hard working and extremely well-liked employees of McLaren Automotive.

“They will be sorely missed by their friends and colleagues and our heartfelt condolences go out to their families.”

Did you know Ollie? Leave a comment below, email ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 0208 722 6358.