McLaren Reveals Huge Changes In Team After Poor 2023 Performance

The McLaren team is going through a huge restructure as they aim to be at the front of the grid.

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, recently announced significant changes within the organization. Acknowledging that the technical department has struggled to keep up with Formula 1's new regulations, Brown emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation for future success. Part of this change welcomes David Sanchez to the team after his leaving Ferrari earlier this year. 

The Need for Restructuring

For quite some time, it has been evident that McLaren's technical development has lagged behind the rapid pace required to meet the team's ambitious goal of returning to the front of the grid. Brown, along with Team Principal Stella, has conducted a thorough review to pinpoint the necessary changes to reverse this trend.

They will be turning McLaren into an 'F1 Technical Executive Team’, consisting of three divisions each managed by a technical director. 

Welcoming New and Returning Talent

PETER PRODROMOU TO OVERSEE AERO DEPARTMENT AS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Peter Prodromou has been appointed as the new Technical Director for Aerodynamics at McLaren. In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing the entire aero department. Prodromou is a veteran McLaren chief who has been with the company since 1991, with a brief eight-year stint at Red Bull Racing from 2006 to 2014.

DAVID SANCHEZ JOINS AS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR CAR CONCEPT AND PERFORMANCE

David Sanchez, formerly of Ferrari, has been confirmed as the new Technical Director for Car Concept and Performance at McLaren. However, he will be unable to join the team until 1st January 2024 due to being on garden leave. In his new role, Sanchez will oversee the development of car concepts and performance strategies.

NEIL HOULDEY PROMOTED TO TECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

Neil Houldey has been promoted to the newly-created role of Technical Director for Engineering and Design. He has been with McLaren since 2006, rising through the ranks in the years since. As Technical Director, Houldey will be responsible for overseeing the engineering and design departments.

GIUSEPPE PESCE PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF AERODYNAMICS AND CHIEF OF STAFF

Giuseppe Pesce has been promoted to the position of Director of Aerodynamics and Chief of Staff. In his new role, he will help run the aero department and report to Peter Prodromou. Pesce's promotion is a testament to his contributions to the company.

Alongside these huge changes, Piers Thynne has become the new Chief Operations Officer of the team whose objective is to “innovate and elevate the standards at McLaren”.

Brown said the following about the changes:

“It’s important now that we ensure we have a solid foundation as the next phase of our journey,” he said.

“It has been clear to me for some time that our technical development has not moved at a quick enough pace to match our ambition of returning to the front of the grid. I’m pleased that, having completed a full review with Andrea, we are now able to implement the restructure required to set the wheels in motion to turn this around.

“These strategic changes ensure the long-term success of the team and are necessary to see McLaren get back to winning ways. We have everything coming into place now with our people and infrastructure and alongside an exciting driver line-up, I’m determined to see McLaren get back to where we should be.”

Stella added:

“Firstly, I’d like to thank James for his hard work and commitment during his time at McLaren and wish him well for the future,” he said.

“Looking ahead, I am determined and fully focused on leading McLaren back to the front of the field. Since taking on the Team Principal role I have been given the mandate to take a strategic approach to ensure the team is set on a long-term foundation, for us to build on over the years.

“This new structure provides clarity and effectiveness within the team’s technical department and puts us in a strong position to maximise performance, including optimising the new infrastructure upgrades we have coming in 2023.

“Alongside Peter and Neil, I’m delighted to welcome David Sanchez back to the team to complete an experienced and highly specialised Technical Executive team, with the collective aim of delivering greater on-track car performance.

“I’m looking forward to continuing working together with Piers, who will play a fundamental role to define and deliver the plans to create an innovative and effective F1 team.”