McLaren F1 boss Andrea Stella reveals team’s admiration for Rob Marshall’s unexpected contributions

McLaren’s stunning resurgence to Formula 1 championship contention has been in no small part thanks to the efforts of Rob Marshall, who joined the team as Technical Director of Engineering & Design in January 2024. Marshall, a former Red Bull stalwart with 17 years of experience, brought a wealth of technical expertise to McLaren’s Woking headquarters, but it wasn’t just his credentials that won the team over.

Team Principal Andrea Stella admitted that McLaren was “impressed even more” than expected by Marshall’s impact on the team. His arrival coincided with several key hires, including specialists like Peter Prodromou for aerodynamics and Mark Temple for vehicle performance. Together, these hires helped McLaren secure their first constructors’ title since 1998, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri scoring the points needed to clinch the victory.

While Marshall’s reputation alone was enough to spark excitement at McLaren, it was his hands-on approach that really set him apart. Rather than taking a backseat role as a passive observer, Marshall got stuck in alongside his team, working on car designs and getting his hands dirty. “Working with Rob has been an absolute pleasure,” Stella said. “If anything, we have been impressed even more than we expected.”

Marshall’s technical acumen, particularly his understanding of car layout design, has proven crucial for McLaren’s future. As Stella pointed out, Marshall’s work is shaping the direction for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. “We missed this kind of role at McLaren before, and now we have it in Rob,” Stella continued. “His knowledge of how to design a car, especially from a layout perspective, is invaluable.”

But Marshall’s influence isn’t just limited to his technical brilliance. The former Red Bull engineer is known for his positive attitude and infectious energy. “He’s full of energy and always in the garage, often lying under the car with his hands on the parts,” Stella added. “It’s not just his knowledge but his human qualities that make him such a valuable part of the team.”

McLaren’s technical management structure has undergone a significant overhaul with Marshall at the helm, working alongside Prodromou and Temple. The addition of Neil Houldey as Deputy Technical Director has further strengthened the team’s leadership, and Houldey was quick to credit Marshall’s collaborative approach. “Rob’s such a positive person to work with,” Houldey said. “He wants the best for the team, and his ability to work with everyone, no matter their specialty, has really brought us together.”

As McLaren looks ahead to the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Marshall’s hands-on approach and strong leadership will continue to play a key role in the team’s aspirations for further success. With a transformed technical structure in place, McLaren appears poised to challenge for more titles, thanks to Marshall’s impact.