November 2023 – Salvaging P4 in the constructors’
Eight months after they sat second to last in the constructors’ standings, the aforementioned technical reshuffles and potent upgrades saw McLaren rise to a much more respectable position, culminating in them snatching fourth from Aston Martin in the final stages of the season.
January 2024 – Headline new hires start work
As part of their March 2023 announcement, McLaren revealed that David Sanchez – having spent a decade at Ferrari – would be returning to the team as Technical Director, Car Concept and Performance, with respected engineer Rob Marshall signed from Red Bull shortly after that.
“The addition of a high-end and skilled individual like Rob will further consolidate our ability to establish the highest technical standards at McLaren and be in condition to design winning F1 cars,” said Stella, ahead of both men starting work on January 1, 2024.
April 2024 – Another technical adjustment
As it transpired, Sanchez only lasted a few months in his role, with an early-April press release from McLaren explaining that after “a number of discussions” over job responsibilities, the Frenchman had vacated his position amid updates across the department.
Following Sanchez’s exit, Marshall assumed the role of Chief Designer, Neil Houldey moved over to become Technical Director of Engineering, while Peter Prodromou continued in his role as Technical Director of Aerodynamics – all aimed at “further strengthening and evolving the technical model”.