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Formerly head of vehicle concept at Ferrari, Sanchez was initially hired by McLaren in March 2023, and eventually rejoined his former team in January after completing his gardening leave period.
Sanchez would be one of three technical directors to succeed James Key, responsible for the car’s concept and performance, with Rob Marshall coming from Red Bull to lead engineering and design, and longtime aerodynamicist McLaren, Peter Prodromou, the TD for aerodynamics. .
But last week it was announced that Sanchez and McLaren had already split after just three months together.
Instead, McLaren announced changes to its technical structure, with Stella taking over from Sanchez in a streamlined performance role in the meantime until a replacement is found.
There was also a swap between Neil Houldey and Marshall, with Marshall now chief designer and Houldey technical director of engineering, a role he was initially expected to fill before McLaren recruited Marshall. Prodromou, for his part, remains in post as aeronautical technical director.
Autosport understands that with the long-awaited McLaren team fully in place this winter, Sanchez realized his tenure at Woking was not the one he had envisioned when he signed up over a year.
David Sanchez was the lead aerodynamicist at Ferrari before joining McLaren
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
It was this discomfort with his level of seniority that led to discussions between him and Stella and ultimately what Stella called an “amicable” conclusion to parting ways. Sanchez’s departure then triggered another reshuffle.
“We all agree that the model itself is very valid, we are very happy to have three directions: aerodynamics, engineering and performance, it works very well,” explained Stella.
“But when you have to find the technical configuration, you also have to make sure that it takes into account the players’ strengths.
“We have had conversations with David on this topic and we have realized and acknowledged that his level of seniority, expertise and skill is potentially even higher than the role he held at McLaren.
McLaren agreed to release Sanchez early so he could pursue opportunities elsewhere. It is therefore understood that any gardening leave should remain limited to allow him to find a suitable new role.
Explaining the call to release Sanchez so quickly rather than waiting to see how the situation develops, Stella said: “Three months in normal industries is not a long time, but in Formula 1 it is a long time. “
“Waiting another three months can put you out of phase with some of the work for next year’s car or with the work you already have to do on the 2026 car.
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
“And that goes for David too, to give him a fair chance elsewhere to take on bigger roles, three months can make a difference.
“So we thought it was the right time and we came to a friendly, friendly conclusion that it was the right thing to do. And I really wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”
Stella highlighted that McLaren’s technical organization is constantly reviewed as it brings in new recruits, which go well beyond the signings of Marshall and Sanchez.
The Italian felt Woking were now in a stronger position following their latest round of changes.
“The news regarding David is part of the news. The main relevant news for McLaren is that we have an updated and evolved technical setup, which I believe puts McLaren in an even stronger position than before “, he added.
“The new hires not only include a few senior managers, but actually we have added a lot of people in the technical area at McLaren, what we internally call extra power.
“What we have done in these first three months is find the right synthesis between the technical journey that we started last year and this additional power.
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