The Woking based team currently find themselves in third place in the Constructors’ Championship after achieving a total of 55 points over three races in 2024.
McLaren has recently made significant adjustments to their Formula 1 team’s technical division with the departure of Technical Director David Sanchez from the Woking-based team after a brief three-month tenure.
The papaya squad has enjoyed a promising beginning to the 2024 season. After the first three races of the new season, McLaren has positioned themselves in the top three of the Constructors’ standings, aiming to close the gap on both Red Bull and Ferrari who are currently ahead of them.
Both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, are in high morale, showcasing themselves as a formidable duo on the grid. Norris expressed his delight in McLaren’s capability to enhance MCL38 throughout the season.
Furthermore, as the team progresses positively on the track, McLaren has implemented organizational adjustments to their technical structure to enhance and advance their technical model.
Andrea Stella, the Team Principal, will temporarily take on the responsibilities of Technical Director following the departure of David Sanchez from the team. Sanchez, who joined McLaren from Ferrari three months ago in January, has left the Woking outfit.
Additional changes have been made within the organization, with Rob Marshall assuming the position of Chief Designer and Neil Houldey taking on the role of Technical Director of engineering. Peter Prodromou, on the other hand, will maintain his position as the Technical Director of aerodynamics.
Making the necessary steps forward
During the interview with mclaren.com, Stella highlighted the key modifications in the technical department as a progression for the team, expressing gratitude towards Sanchez for his input to the Woking squad.
This additional progression in the development of the Technical Department’s structure and the working model within the team demonstrates our dedication to continuously improving our technical capabilities and workflows to achieve higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
After careful deliberation between David Sanchez and the Team Leadership, it has been mutually agreed upon for David to depart from the team.
Upon thorough consideration, it became evident that the role, duties, and aspirations linked to David’s position did not correspond with our initial expectations when he graciously joined us in February 2023.
We acknowledge the misalignment and have mutually decided with David to part ways, allowing him to explore other opportunities that can fully utilize his exceptional skillset.
We appreciate David’s contributions during his time with us and wish him success in his future pursuits.
Words from David Sanchez
Sanchez expressed his gratitude to McLaren for the chance and to his coworkers for their support in his choice to leave the team as he eagerly anticipates his upcoming challenge in the sport.
I appreciate the chance to have been a member of this team. Although the role we had planned and consented to was not in sync with the actual responsibilities of the position I encountered, I depart with admiration for the leadership, respect for the commitment of my coworkers, and gratitude for the transparency and sincerity with which we deliberated and reached this conclusion.
I hope for ongoing success for this team as it progresses towards the top of the grid, where it rightfully belongs. I eagerly anticipate my next opportunity in F1.
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