P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Pirro leaves role as McLaren F1 academy chief
The McLaren driver development programme underwent a major overhaul in 2023 to better support aspiring karting talents and nurture their progression towards Formula 1. This revamp saw the recruitment of 2023 FIA F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, F1 Academy driver Bianca Bustamante, American junior Ugo Ugochukwu, and Italian Formula 4 talent Brando Badoer. Emanuele Pirro led the programme, joined in 2023, but has recently announced his exit, paving the way for the programme to be brought in-house under the direction of Stephanie Carlin, McLaren’s newly appointed F1 business operations director. The transition aims to continue developing young drivers with the guidance of experienced McLaren engineers. Despite Pirro’s departure, he expressed confidence in the programme’s future and the potential of the talented drivers he helped recruit. Additionally, McLaren F1 announced a reshuffle in its technical department, with ex-Ferrari engineer David Sanchez leaving and Rob Marshall stepping in as the chief designer.
