Further details emerge following shock exit at McLaren

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has provided further details behind the shock announcement that saw David Sanchez depart the team.

Sanchez joined the Woking-based squad as its technical director of car concept and performance in January after leaving Ferrari at the start of 2023.

On the eve of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, however, McLaren confirmed it had opted to mutually part ways with Sanchez just three months after his arrival, announcing a further technical restructure in light of the exit.

Speaking to Sky F1 over the sudden departure, Stella said: “Formula 1 is a dynamic environment, it evolves very rapidly.

“We looked at how we can create the most efficient [and] the most effective organisation.

“We took a look, together with David, effectively at what was the best configuration and also what was his best interest.”

Stella suggests Sanchez suited a 'bigger role'

After noting in its parting announcement that there was a “misalignment” between the two sides, Stella hinted an issue arose over the prominence of Sanchez’s role within the team.

“I think compared to when we agreed [for him] to join [from] Ferrari, we had some change of context,” Stella said.

“We thought together that he needed to have some fair opportunities, potentially with a bigger role that I'm sure he deserves and he would fill with full qualities, potentially [at] some other teams.

“So we looked at the most effective configuration and we saw that there was an important role for Rob Marshall (chief designer) and Neil Houldey (technical director – engineering).

“So we are happy with how we are heading into the future from a technical point of view, and definitely we wish David all the best for his future endeavours.”