David Sanchez (already) leaves his post as technical director at McLaren

Barely arrived, already gone. David Sanchez and McLaren formalized this Tuesday the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement, only three months after the arrival of the French engineer in Woking as technical director. After three Grands Prix, the British team announced several organizational changes in its technical department, a few days before the Japanese event at Suzuka.

Defector from Ferrari, David Sanchez had spent a long period of “gardening” – a transition period during which the person cannot work for his new company – in 2023 before taking up his position at McLaren, in January 2024. This premature departure is the result of “a misalignment between expectations and the reality of the position,” says Andrea Stella.

Joint agreement between McLaren and David Sanchez

“Following extensive discussions between David Sanchez and team management, it was mutually decided that David would leave the team, explains the McLaren Team Principal. After joint reflection, it appeared that the role, responsibilities and ambitions associated with David's position did not correspond to our initial expectations when he agreed to join us in February 2023. Aware of this discrepancy, David and I- We even agreed that it would be best for us to part ways now, to allow him to pursue other opportunities that will better leverage the breadth and scope of his remarkable skill set. »

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this team, adds the French. Although the role we envisioned and agreed upon did not match the reality of the position I found, I leave with respect for management, admiration for the dedication of my colleagues, and appreciation for the the openness and honesty with which we discussed and made this decision. I wish this team a successful continuation of their journey to the front of the grid, where they belong. I am looking forward to my next challenge within the F1 »

New cap for Andrea Stella

Consequently, the organizational chart of the technical department is turned upside down at McLaren: Rob Marshall will now assume the role of chief designer, Neil Houldey will become technical director of engineering while Peter Prodromou will retain his role of technical director of aerodynamics. The English team announces that the Concept and Performance department will be streamlined to focus on performance and will be led by Andrea Stella, who will act as technical director of performance until a permanent appointment is made. is confirmed.

“This new step in the evolution of the technical department structure and working model within the team signifies our commitment to constantly improving our technical capabilities and workflows for greater effectiveness and efficiency”, says Andrea Stella. Major changes for a McLaren team which remains on positive momentum, after its first podium of the year in Australia.

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