2023 - McLaren Formula 1 Team

[Lucky]

Anyone got thoughts on this appointment?

That's great news, chassis specialist

[taperoo2k]

That's actually a pretty good signing for McLaren.
https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula- ... ng-design/

[MrGapes]

Anyone got thoughts on this appointment?

That’s a BIG signing… wow

I could be wrong.. but believe only Newey and Wache were ahead of him in the technical structure

[Xero]

Anyone got thoughts on this appointment?

Great appointment! The guy is a bit of a suspension guru, and responsible for Red Bull's often superior mechanical grip. McLaren are really stepping up their recruitment drive now, the new facilities seem to have upped their attractiveness.

[Macklaren]

Interesting that Neil Houldey is retained as deputy Technical Director. Hope there is some continuity and influence that Rob can have on the MCL38

EDIT: This is a very interesting little nugget: "More recently, this meant he was heavily involved in the fledgling Red Bull Powertrains project."

[billamend]

I keep being flabbergasted with Prodromou being retained/promoted. I know things from the outside don't reflect what happens in reality, but aerodynamics is by far the worst part about this car. If anything, mechanically the car seems to work well, which was Key's expertise.

[organic]

I believe Marshall has been working on the integration of the 2026 PU/Chassis for RB prior to his move.

[101FlyingDutchman]

I keep being flabbergasted with Prodromou being retained/promoted. I know things from the outside don't reflect what happens in reality, but aerodynamics is by far the worst part about this car. If anything, mechanically the car seems to work well, which was Key's expertise.

I couldn’t agree with you more. Im willing to give him a shot with a new wind tunnel but if the aero side doesn’t show major improvements over the next 18 months or so then we really do need an overhaul there.

[Ground Effect]

Anyone got thoughts on this appointment?

This is a top signing, no other way of putting this. Red Bull upper technical stalwart. Newey, Monaghan, Marshall.

[daren_p]

I keep being flabbergasted with Prodromou being retained/promoted. I know things from the outside don't reflect what happens in reality, but aerodynamics is by far the worst part about this car. If anything, mechanically the car seems to work well, which was Key's expertise.

I couldn’t agree with you more. Im willing to give him a shot with a new wind tunnel but if the aero side doesn’t show major improvements over the next 18 months or so then we really do need an overhaul there.

I will say that yes, I agree Prodromou hasn't been outstanding the last few years, though he has had a number of unique solutions that have been copied up & down the grid. As said, part of the issue may have been facilities but it was also mentioned that he may have been restricted in what he could/was allowed to do in the past (possibly by Key), so I too would say give him a bit of time to see what he can do with the new facilities, under the new management structure.

[Ground Effect]

I keep being flabbergasted with Prodromou being retained/promoted. I know things from the outside don't reflect what happens in reality, but aerodynamics is by far the worst part about this car. If anything, mechanically the car seems to work well, which was Key's expertise.

According to Stella, he had been stifled all this while, things never aligned for him. He’s done some pretty good stuff aero wise, between the MP430-MCL32.

[Macklaren]

Agreed. the problem with PP is that he has NOT had ENOUGH influence in the past, which he does now

[f1rules]

Finally something to be positive about, i feel we have been behind on chassis and especially suspension design for years, marshall should bring indepth knowledge on so many levels

[mwillems]

Can't say if Promdorou has been stifled or not in the past, but the Aero has been middling. That said, it's perfectly possible it was a lack of influence and that his promotion will help. Stella obviously thinks so and soon we will know too.

Happy for Marshall, I have no doubt he is going to help us a lot with the mechanical side of things, plus he will know in detail a lot of other secrets.
When does he arrive, what is his notice/gardening period?

[mwillems]

Just to add, I'd imagine that as the Financial Regs bed in and the teams get more efficient we will be able to spend more on areas we choose to invest in. I'd imagine running costs will lower too since we have our own wind tunnel and don't have to pay for others plus transport. Another benefit of the tunnel I guess.