McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has reacted to news that Rob Marshall has joined the team from Red Bull Racing.
Piastri posted on Instagram after the team announced Marshall would be joining ahead of the 2024 season.
McLaren’s statement said: “McLaren has recruited Rob Marshall from Red Bull Racing, who will join as Technical Director, Engineering & Design from 1 Jan 2024.
“With over 25 years’ experience in motorsport and instrumental in multiple Formula 1 championship wins, Rob’s appointment is another step forward in our plan to take the team to the top.”
McLaren need to find a way to return to the front of the Formula 1 grid.
They had a relatively successful weekend in Monte Carlo last weekend, securing a double-point finish.
Lando Norris finished ninth, with Oscar Piastri securing the final World Championship point in 10th.
It extended their lead over the four teams behind them in the championship.
However, they’d have been disappointed to see Alpine extend their lead over them thanks to Esteban Ocon’s podium.
Piastri will be delighted that Rob Marshall is joining the McLaren team next season.
He’s got a wealth of experience and knows how to win Formula 1 Championships.
The young Australian will be hoping he can build on the positive start he’s made to his F1 career.
Piastri reacts to Marshall joining McLaren
Posting on Instagram after the news came out, Piastri said: “Welcome to the team!”.
Rob Marshall joins McLaren to fill the void left by James Key who departed as Technical Director.
Marshall had spent 17 years at Red Bull, and overseen Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen dominate the sport in two separate spells.
Reacting to the news of his departure, Red Bull chief Christian Horner said: “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.
“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.”
Horner won’t be too thankful if Marshall’s arrival helps Piastri and McLaren return to the front of the grid.
He’s got a big job on his hands but knows exactly what makes the current Red Bull car so quick.
Zak Brown has suggested that he wants the team to compete for championships by 2026.
Having Marshall on board will certainly help achieve that aim.