McLaren bang: the goals are missed, the best technicians are gone! / System 1

In the 2023 Formula 1 season, McLaren captured nine podium positions and won the Qatar Sprint and Piastri. McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team boss Andrea Stella wanted to build on this to be even stronger in 2024.

The technical team was strengthened by chassis boss Rob Marshall (ex-Red Bull Racing) and development manager David Sanchez (ex-Ferrari). Peter Prodromou remained aerodynamic director, with Neil Houldey assisting him.

But now McLaren confirms: David Sanchez is gone again! The Brits are regrouping with Rob Marshall as chief designer, Neil Houldey as technical director, while the tried and tested Peter Prodromou continues to take care of aerodynamics.

Team boss Stella will take over from development manager Sanchez on an interim basis until a successor is found.

Andrea Stella says: “After discussions between the team management and David Sanchez, we agreed that it would be better for everyone if he leaves our team. We had to realize that his role and responsibilities as well as his goals did not match the previous plans when he agreed to come to us in February 2023. »

Sanchez himself says: “In the end, I could not get involved in the way we had agreed. I leave with respect and admiration for my colleagues. And I appreciate how we were able to talk openly about these connections.”

It is not yet known where David Sanchez will work in the future.

Australien-GP, Albert Park Circuit

01. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, 1:20:26.843 h
02. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +2,366 sec
03. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +5.904
04. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +35,770
05. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +56,309
06. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1:33,222
07. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, +1:35,601
08. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +1:40.992*
09. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1:44.553
10. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
11. Alex Albon (T), Williams, +1
12. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, +1
13. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, +1
15. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, +1
16. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1
outside
George Russell (GB), Mercedes, accident
Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, engine failure
Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, Bremsdefekt

*20 second time penalty for braking in the fight with George Russell
Entry waived: Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams
(Alex Albon crash in free practice, no replacement chassis in Australia)

World Championship Standings (after 3 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 51 points
02. Leclerc 47
03. Perez 46
04. Sainz 40
05. Plate 28
06. Norris 27
07. Russell 18
08. Alonso 16
09. Walk 9
10. Hamilton 8
11. Tsunoda 6
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 97 Punkte
02. Ferrari 93
03. McLaren 55
04. Mercedes 26
05. Aston Martin 25
06. Running Bull 6
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0