McLaren poaches key Red Bull technical team member

McLaren has announced the appointment of a key member of the Red Bull technical team is set to join them.

Rob Marshall will join McLaren as Technical Director for Engineering and Design from January 2024. He will step back from his job as Red Bull Chief Engineering Officer with immediate effect.

The significant change for their technical leadership comes after Marshall spent 17 years at Red Bull Racing, notably as Chief Designer between 2006 and 2016.

From there he oversaw the team's work on the RB5 during the big regulation changes in 2009, which ultimately yielded their first victories and set Red Bull on a path to success in the following decade.

“We would like to thank Rob for everything he has done for the Team over the past 17 years. His work on the generation of cars that gave us four incredible championship doubles between 2010 and 2013 was truly outstanding," said Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner.

"In the years since he has continued to be a key figure at the Team and in 2016 took on the broader role of Chief Engineering Officer which has seen him involved in other projects across the business. His influence will be missed but once again we thank him for all he has done and wish him the very best in his new role.”

Stella: Natural fit to get McLaren back to winning ways

McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella, says the appointment of Marshall to their technical team is significant as they look to get back to winning races regularly.

“I am incredibly pleased that Rob will be joining McLaren. With over 25 years working in motorsport, Rob comes to us with a wealth of expertise and experience, elevated by his tenure and track record at Red Bull Racing," said Stella.

"Rob’s appointment is one of the fundamental steps and a natural fit to aid the team’s journey to get back to our winning ways."

McLaren say he will be supported by Neil Houldey as Deputy Technical Director, Engineering and Design, to complete the senior technical structure.

He will also join ex-Red Bull engineer Peter Prodromou and David Sanchez, who was signed from Ferrari.