F1 News: David Sanchez Leaves McLaren In Surprise Move Ahead Of Japanese GP

McLaren announces huge organisational changes.

Oct 22, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris (4) of Team Great Britain drives / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

David Sanchez has departed from McLaren's Formula 1 team after only joining the team in January. This decision comes amidst a series of organisational changes aimed at enhancing the team's technical framework.

Key Takeaways:

• McLaren announces significant organisational changes within its Formula 1 team, aiming to boost its technical capabilities.
• David Sanchez exits the team after only joining from Ferrari in January 2024.
• McLaren restructures its technical department, with key roles assumed by Rob Marshall, Neil Houldey, and Peter Prodromou, as well as Andrea Stella taking an interim position.

Oct 21, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris (4) of Team Great Britain drives / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

McLaren has unveiled a series of organisational changes within its Formula 1 team. The main change comes from David Sanchez, who had joined the Woking-based squad in January 2024 as Technical Director - Car Concept & Design, and has now decided to leave the team. This development was confirmed following a series of discussions, highlighting a mutual agreement between Sanchez and the team's leadership regarding his departure. Sanchez commented in a press release from the team:

"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.”

Rob Marshall steps in as the new Chief Designer, while Neil Houldey transitions to the role of Technical Director – Engineering. Peter Prodromou will maintain his position as Technical Director – Aerodynamics. Furthermore, a decision was made to consolidate the Concept and Performance department, which will now be spearheaded by the Technical Director – Performance, a role temporarily filled by team principal Andrea Stella until a permanent candidate is appointed.

Andrea Stella - McLaren / McLaren Press Image

Andrea Stella, Team Principal at McLaren F1, expressed his views on the restructuring:

“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."