Sanchez departure sparks McLaren changes
McLaren has been forced to reshuffle its Formula 1 technical team following the quick departure of David Sanchez.
Just three months after starting the role as Technical Director, Sanchez and McLaren have decided to go separate ways.
Sanchez arrived at Woking for a second time from Ferrari in January, 11 months after the initial agreement back in February 2023.
Due to the sudden departure, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella will take over the Technical Director duties during the interim period before a replacement is found.
It has sparked a reshuffle with former Red Bull engineer Rob Marshall now Chief Designer, while Neil Houldley steps up to Technical Director of Engineering from the former.
Sanchez started his F1 career at Renault before moving to McLaren in 2007 where he was the Senior Aerodynamicist.
He stayed at the then Ron Dennis led team until 2012 before he ventured to Ferrari.
He stayed at Maranello for more than a decade all the way until the start of 2024 when he returned to McLaren.
David Sanchez and Sebastian Vettel celebrate victory of the 2018 Belgian GP for Ferrari. Photo by Manuel Goria / Sutton Images
But the second stint at the team did not last long and Stella said it was a “mutual decision” for Sanchez to leave.
“Following thoughtful discussions between David Sanchez and the team leadership, the mutual decision has been taken for David to leave the team,” Stella said.
“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.’
CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE LATEST DIGITAL MAGAZINE
“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.”
Sanchez said he will still be part of the F1 world.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this team,” Sanchez said.
“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.
“Also 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.”
The 2024 Japanese Grand Prix takes place this weekend where Oscar Piastri hopes to return to the podium.
main image by Peter Norton EPIC Sports Photography
READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION DIGITAL MAGAZINE HERE
Latest Podcast: Follow the Easter Trail and more here on the Auto Action RevLimiter
This week we had to work hard for Supercar News, but we found some. It was easier in Speedway with the Easter Trail and the new speedway opening at Eastern Creek.
Listen to our latest episode on your podcast app of choice or here
