McLaren Technical Director James Key Leaves As F1 Stable Brings Back David Sanchez

McLaren has announced that it has parted ways with its technical director, James Key, who had joined the team from AlphaTauri in 2019. Key was credited with designing the 2020 car, which helped the team achieve a P3 finish in the constructor’s championship. However, since then, the team has gradually slipped back, with Ferrari overtaking them to secure P3 in 2021, and Alpine pushing them down to P5 in 2022.

This news follows a disappointing start to the 2023 season, where the team has fallen further behind and is currently at best the sixth-best car.

Under the leadership of new team principal, Andrea Stella, the team is implementing a new technical structure that will see David Sanchez, formerly of Ferrari, join as the technical director of vehicle concept. Sanchez previously held this role at Ferrari but left the Scuderia after former team principal and technical director, Mattia Binotto, resigned at the end of last year.

Sanchez will start with McLaren in January 2024, following a lengthy gardening leave. Peter Prodromou will take on the role of technical director, aerodynamics, while Neil Houldey will become technical director for engineering and design.

In addition, Giuseppe Pesce will be promoted to the role of aerodynamics and chief of staff, and Piers Thynne will take on the role of chief operating officer.