Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren announced some changes to the team’s technical headquarters.
Technical director Rob Marshall returns in the role of chief designer.
His responsibilities will be shared by Neil Houldy: he will become technical director of chassis and Peter Prodromou will continue to work as technical director of aerodynamics.
The Concept and Performance department will be streamlined to focus on improving efficiency and will be led by a dedicated CTO. Andrea Stella will take on the role until a permanent position is confirmed.
Due to these changes and after a number of discussions, David Sanchez has left the team, but plans to continue his career in Formula 1.
Andrea Stella, Team Leader: “This next step in the evolution of the engineering department structure and team working model demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our technical capabilities and work processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
After consultation between David Sanchez and the team management, it was mutually decided that David would leave the team. It has become clear that the role, responsibilities and ambitions associated with David’s position are not what we originally expected when he agreed to join us in February 2023. David and I recognized this discrepancy and agreed that it was best to part ways with him now so that he could pursue other opportunities that would better utilize the scope and breadth of his remarkable skills. We greatly appreciate the contributions David has made in his relatively short time with our company and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
David Sanchez: “I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team. Although the role we envisioned and agreed to was not the reality, I leave with respect for management, admiration for the efforts of my colleagues and appreciation for the openness and honesty with which we discussed and made decisions.
I wish the team the best of luck on their journey back to the top. I look forward to my next challenge in Formula 1.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
