McLaren Bolsters Technical Division with Key Signing from Red Bull


May 31, 2023 11:31 am

McLaren’s Formula 1 team has made a significant addition to its technical division by recruiting Rob Marshall, the veteran chief engineering officer from Red Bull. Marshall, renowned for his role in developing Red Bull’s innovative mass damper system that contributed to their constructors’ titles in 2005 and 2006, will assume the position of technical director at McLaren in January 2024.

Having previously served as chief designer at Red Bull during their championship-winning era from 2010 to 2013, Marshall later transitioned to the role of chief engineering officer, where he played a crucial role in the Red Bull Powertrains project. Enhance your F1 viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed his delight at securing Marshall’s services, emphasizing his extensive expertise and experience gained from his tenure at Red Bull Racing. Stella sees Marshall’s appointment as a significant step towards McLaren’s goal of returning to their winning ways.

Under Stella’s leadership, McLaren has conducted a thorough review of its leadership structure, resulting in the appointment of Gil de Ferran, an Indianapolis 500 winner, as a non-executive advisor, and the removal of technical director James Key. As part of the revamped management team, McLaren also successfully recruited David Sanchez, Ferrari’s head of vehicle concept.

Stella highlighted the team’s ambition to compete for championships and acknowledged the need to reverse the recent decline in on-track competitiveness. McLaren’s approach has been comprehensive, focusing on strengthening the team through personnel and expertise, as well as ongoing projects aimed at upgrading technology and infrastructure.

Neil Houldey, appointed as deputy technical director for engineering and design, completes the senior technical revamp at McLaren. Working alongside Marshall, Houldey will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed gratitude to Marshall for his contributions during his 17-year tenure with the team. Horner acknowledged Marshall’s outstanding work in designing cars that led to four championship doubles between 2010 and 2013. He also highlighted Marshall’s involvement in various projects across the business since taking on the role of chief engineering officer in 2016. Red Bull thanked Marshall for his immense contributions and wished him success in his new role at McLaren. Get all the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.