McLaren announces technical reshuffle as Sanches leaves after three months
Formula One's Woking-based outfit McLaren have announced further changes to their technical department with former Ferrari chief designer David Sanchez having left the British team just after three months.
Former Ferrari chief designer David Sanchez, who only arrived in January, has elected to leave McLaren just after three months. The French engineer, who started his motorsport career working as an aerodynamicist for the Renault F1 team in 2005, commented: "I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this team.
"While the role we envisioned and had agreed to was not aligned with the reality of the position I found, I leave with respect for the leadership, admiration for the dedication of my colleagues, and appreciation for the openness and honesty in which we discussed and arrived at this decision. I wish this team continued success as it continues its journey to the front of the grid where it belongs. I look forward to my next challenge within F1.”
Sanchez’s exit has prompted various changes to the make-up of McLaren’s technical team. Former Red Bull engineer Rob Marshall, who only arrivied at the beginning of the year, will continue working as chief designer with Neil Houldey becoming technical director – engineering.
Peter Prodromou will continue as technical director – aerodynamics, as Team Principal Andrea Stella takes on the reworked technical director – performance role on an interim basis while McLaren search for a permanent appointment.
Commenting on the latest organisational changes, Team Principal, Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, said: “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.
"Recognising this misalignment, both David and I agreed that it would be best to part ways now, so to enable him to pursue other opportunities that will better leverage the full scale and breadth of his remarkable skillset. We greatly and gratefully value the contributions that David has made during his relatively short time with us, and we wish him the best in his future endeavours."
