McLaren breaks silence on senior engineer David Sanchez’s shocking exit after just three months 

David Sanchez was a former Ferrari engineer before joining McLaren.

McLaren breaks silence on senior engineer David Sanchez’s shocking exit after just three months 

Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)

David Sanchez was instrumental in the development of McLaren’s new rival, the MCL38. Sanchez joined McLaren just before the 2024 season, having previously worked as an aerodynamic specialist at Ferrari. Sanchez’s seniority had created a bit of unease within the team, and he realized, his work no longer aligned with what he had envisioned. 

This led to David Sanchez choosing to part ways with the Woking-based team due to changes in his job responsibilities. The team decided to let off Sanchez a bit early so he could have better opportunities.

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The McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, recently took the time to talk about it.

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We had conversations with David about this topic and we realised and acknowledged that his level of seniority, expertise, competence is potentially even more senior than the role that he was having at McLaren. Three months in normal industries is not a long time, but in Formula 1 it is a long time.
Andrea Stella told: motorsport

Despite being with the team for just three months, Sanchez played an important role. Neil Houldey will succeed Sanchez as technical director of engineering, and Peter Prodromou will continue in his role as chief of aerodynamics. Sanchez’s contribution to the team’s growth is greatly appreciated, and the papaya-colored outfit wishes him well in his future endeavors. 

Andrea Stella defends race strategy during the Japanese GP 

McLaren’s weekend at Suzuka was rather disappointing. The MCL38 was no match for Ferrari’s SF-24 during the race, despite the team’s outstanding qualifying performance. In an attempt to help Lando Norris keep up with the Ferrari, the team decided to give him an early pit stop, but things didn’t work out well.

Andrea Stella and Lando Norris
Andrea Stella and Lando Norris (Via: Imago)

The British driver thinks McLaren should consider switching up their approach. However, Andrea Stella chose to defend their strategy for him during the Japanese GP. 

I thought it was worthwhile trying that. Ultimately, this put us on a race which might have been slightly unpreferred from overall time [of the race] point of view, but I think it was very worthwhile trying. So on Lando's side we are happy that we wanted to try finishing on the podium.
Andrea Stella via: motorsport

There is a contrast in the opinion of the driver and the team principal. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to secure enough points. Perhaps with the first update package coming at the Miami GP, McLaren will hope for immensely strong showings from Round Six onwards.

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