Off the back of a disappointing start to the 2023 campaign, with the squad having yet to score a point in the opening two grands prix of the season, McLaren has revealed a revamp of its technical department.
As Key, who joined the team in early 2019, departs the outfit with immediate effect, McLaren has opted for a totally new structure.
The team is to move away from having a single technical director, and will instead put in place a team of three key specialists who will report directly to team principal Andrea Stella.
This trio will include former Ferrari head of vehicle concept David Sanchez, who recently resigned from the Italian squad.
The Frenchman is currently on gardening leave, so cannot join McLaren until 1 January 2024, but will eventually have the position of technical director of car concept and performance.
Sanchez will work alongside Peter Prodromou, who moves into the role of Technical Director, Aerodynamics.
Neil Houldey is being promoted into the newly created role of Technical Director, Engineering and Design.
As well as the creation of the new technical executive team, McLaren has announced other changes within its organisation.
David Sanchez, Principal Aerodynamicist, Ferrari, receives the constructors trophy for Ferrari
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Giuseppe Pesce has been promoted to director, Aerodynamics & Chief of Staff, to support the running of the aero department. He will report directly to Prodromou.
Piers Thynne will also be moving into an expanded role of Chief Operating Officer for the Formula 1 team, where he will help support Stella in lifting the standards at the team.
Stella, who took over as team principal over the winter, felt that the team needed to shake up its technical department ahead of facilities like its new wind tunnel and simulator coming on tap later this year.
“Firstly, 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 about Key.
“Looking ahead, I am determined and fully focused on leading McLaren back to the front of the field.
“Since taking on the team principal role I have been given the mandate to take a strategic approach to ensure the team is set on a long-term foundation, for us to build on over the years.
“This new structure provides clarity and effectiveness within the team’s technical department and puts us in a strong position to maximise performance, including optimising…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motorsport.com – Formula 1 – Stories…