Last winter, McLaren saw the departure of Andreas Seidl, who took on a new role with Sauber, paving the way for James Stella to step into his shoes as the team’s new leader. One of Stella’s early initiatives was a complete restructuring of the technical departments, which involved creating three distinct pillars with their own set of responsibilities. While two of the technical directors are still on gardening leave following their move from rival teams, Stella believes that this new structure has not only empowered the technical talent at McLaren but also brought clarity to their roles and responsibilities. In particular, the revamped aero department, led by Peter Prodromou, played an essential role in the team’s resurgence, enabling them to introduce a series of mid-season upgrades that propelled them to surpass Aston Martin and secure fourth place in the constructors’ standings.
Stella acknowledges that the technical restructuring was a crucial factor in McLaren’s progress during the 2023 season. He emphasizes that the restructuring is an ongoing process, which involves individuals who have not yet joined the team. The three technical directors designated are Peter Prodromou, responsible for aero, David Sanchez, in charge of performance and concepts, and Rob Marshall, leading engineering and design. This new structure has brought much-needed clarity to the team, delineating clear lines of responsibility. Furthermore, it has facilitated the restructuring of the aerodynamics department, with Prodromou at the helm, effectively setting a new direction for the car’s design from an aerodynamic standpoint.
Stella is keen to highlight that the success achieved by McLaren in the latter half of the season, including nine podium finishes by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s sprint win in Qatar, can be attributed to the talent already in place within the team. While McLaren has made strategic technical hires, with over a dozen new additions to bolster their ranks, the key contributions came from the members who were already part of the Woking-based team. It is important to recognize their skill and dedication in delivering outstanding performances. The technical restructuring, therefore, served as an enabler for these existing team members, allowing them to excel by providing clear direction, setting objectives, and fostering a culture of empowerment and enthusiasm.
The technical restructuring at McLaren extends beyond personnel changes. The team also introduced a new wind tunnel, which became operational during the summer months. However, its utilization has been limited to the development of the 2024 car project. This state-of-the-art facility holds great promise for the future, opening up avenues for further advancements in car design and aerodynamics. Alongside this, the strong recruitment drive undertaken by McLaren, including the acquisitions of Rob Marshall from Red Bull and David Sanchez from Ferrari, demonstrates their commitment to assembling a formidable technical team capable of driving future success.
McLaren’s technical restructuring, led by James Stella, has played a pivotal role in the team’s progress and success. By defining clear lines of responsibility and empowering their technical talent, McLaren has harnessed the expertise of their existing team members and unleashed their full potential. The revamped aero department, overseen by Peter Prodromou, has been instrumental in pushing the team forward, allowing them to introduce crucial mid-season upgrades. Although McLaren’s technical restructuring is still an ongoing process, with key personnel yet to join, the team’s recent achievements are a testament to the talent and dedication of those already in place. With continued investment in personnel and cutting-edge facilities, McLaren is well-positioned to compete at the highest level and secure a bright future in Formula 1.
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