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Aero restructure main "enabler" of McLaren F1 2023 turnaround – Stella
Andrea Stella took over as Team Principal at McLaren last winter and made the decision to restructure the technical departments, creating three clear pillars with their own responsibilities. Although two of the technical directors have not yet started due to gardening leave from rival teams, Stella believes that the new structure has empowered the technical talent at the team and provided clarity on their responsibilities. The restructured aero department, led by Peter Prodromou, has played a crucial role in McLaren’s improved performance, as they were able to introduce a series of upgrades mid-season and finish ahead of Aston Martin in the constructors’ standings. The technical restructuring has been a fundamental enabler for McLaren’s progress, and it includes several new technical hires who will join the team in January. However, Stella emphasizes that the success achieved in the second half of the year and the team’s existing talent were responsible for the nine podiums and sprint win they achieved. The new wind tunnel, which became operational in the summer, has only been used for the 2024 car project. Stella believes that providing clear direction, objectives, empowerment, and enthusiasm are essential for the team’s future success.
