Rob Marshall to Leave Red Bull and Join McLaren as F1 Technical Director

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The struggling English outfit has poached Red Bull chief engineering officer Rob Marshall for its techincal division  

After an impressive 17-year stint with Red Bull, Rob Marshall has announced his departure from the team at the end of this season. Marshall, a renowned figure in Formula 1, will be taking on the role of F1 Technical Director for McLaren starting January 1st, 2024. The move comes as a significant development for McLaren, bringing together their wealth of experience and expertise. 

Marshall's contributions to the sport are widely acknowledged, with one of his notable achievements being the design of the mass damper system for Renault. This innovation played a pivotal role in Renault's success, helping them secure the constructor titles in 2005 and 2006. Marshall's technical prowess and ability to develop cutting-edge solutions have earned him a stellar reputation within the F1 community. 

During his tenure at Red Bull, Marshall held various positions of increasing responsibility. From 2010 to 2013, he served as the Chief Designer before assuming the role of Chief Engineering Officer. His most recent involvement revolved around the establishment of Red Bull Powertrains, where he played a crucial role in their journey towards creating their own engines. 

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McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed his enthusiasm for Marshall's arrival, highlighting the 25 years of experience he brings from working with world championship-winning teams like Renault and Red Bull. Stella believes that Marshall's technical expertise and strategic insights will be instrumental in McLaren's pursuit of success. 

Marshall is not the only high-profile addition to McLaren's revamped lineup. David Sanchez, formerly Ferrari's head of vehicle concept, has also joined the team, further bolstering their technical capabilities. With these significant signings, McLaren aims to reignite their former glory and regain their position as a top contender in Formula 1. 

Moreover, McLaren's plans for the future include the introduction of a new wind tunnel, which is set to be operational from the 2024 season. This investment in cutting-edge technology provides hope to fans and signals McLaren's commitment to reclaiming their status as a formidable force in the sport. 

Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, expressed his sadness at Marshall's departure, acknowledging the influential role he played in the team's success over the years. Horner thanked Marshall for his contributions and wished him the best in his new venture with McLaren.