By Joe Murphy
McLaren have announced a surprise technical restructure ahead of the next race of the 2024 season. As teams prepare for the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren, who have started the season comparitavely better than this time last year, have identified a “misalignment” and therefore made a change.
David Sanchez, who joined McLaren from Ferrari only at the start of this year as technical director for car concept and performance, has left the team.
McLaren have said that Rob Marshall, who joined from rivals Red Bull, will assume the role of chief designer with Neil Houldey becoming technical director for engineering. Last year, Marshall was announced in a different role as technical director for engineering and design when signing for McLaren.
McLaren have also confirmed that Peter Prodromou will continue in his role as aerodynamics technical director while team principal Andrea Stella will take over Sanchez’s role on an interim basis, until a direct replacement can be found.
McLaren put out an official statement to clarify matters;
“This further step in the evolution of the structure of the technical department and of the working model within the team signify our commitment to constantly enhancing our technical capabilities and workflows for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Following thoughtful discussions between David Sanchez and the team leadership, the mutual decision has been taken for David to leave the team. Upon our joint reflection, it became apparent that the role, responsibilities, and ambitions associated with David’s position did not align with our original expectations when he agreed to join us in February 2023.”
Far from ideal timing, but this is undoubtedly a bold move from McLaren who hope they can build upon the podium achieved last time out.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 