With Top Four Hopes In Tatters, McLaren Shakes Up F1 Team

Lando Norris
Lando Norris

Top Ferrari engineer David Sanchez’s move to McLaren is now confirmed, as news breaks that the British team has ousted its technical boss James Key.

Woking-based McLaren – dead last in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship so far this season – has had a dire start to its 2023 campaign.

In the wind tunnel, furious work is taking place to improve the disappointing car.

“It’s probably not going to be enough to join the top four teams,” said new team boss Andrea Stella, “as was our goal.

“We still need a few more upgrades that we are already working on. Aston Martin has shown us all that bigger laps are possible.”

McLaren is also hoping that a new technical chief in the form of Ferrari’s recently-departed Sanchez is a part of the forthcoming improvement.

From 2024, he will now form part of a three-headed technical structure alongside the existing Peter Prodromou and Neil Houldley.

“The team has taken the decision to move away from a single executive technical director role, overseeing the whole technical operation,” a team statement confirmed.

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

McLaren CEO Zak Brown added: “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.”

Stella, meanwhile, admits that the entire world of Formula 1 is now quite clearly chasing Red Bull.

“There are no excuses,” he said. “Many teams will certainly be using Red Bull as a technical inspiration. And the season is still long.

“There is still enough time to implement this new knowledge. That’s why I believe that Red Bull’s lead will shrink by the end of the year.”

More in News

Why Do F1 Cars Need Pit Stops

Why Do F1 Cars Need Pit Stops?

Formula 1, often referred to as the pinnacle of motorsport, ...
Best Formula 1 Movies & Documentaries

Best Formula 1 Movies & Documentaries: The Ultimate Guide

Formula 1 has always been a thrilling and dramatic sport, ...
Lando Norris, Mclaren Mcl60, Leads Oscar Piastri, Mclaren Mcl60

Top Teams Worried About McLaren Renaissance

Two of F1's absolute top teams - Ferrari and Mercedes ...
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 16: Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (40) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT04 on track during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 16, 2023 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202309160290 // Usage for editorial use only //

Why Liam Lawson Deserves To Race In 2024

A driver as talented as New Zealander, Liam Lawson, deserves ...
Charles Leclerc

Japan Saw A Very Fourth-Coming Charles Leclerc

One may not exactly recollect but at the end of ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle