McLaren detail unexpected advantage of Red Bull poaching

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has praised the impact Rob Marshall has had on the squad since his arrival from Red Bull.

Marshall joined the Woking-based squad last year as the technical director of engineering and design.

It marked the end of his long-standing relationship with Red Bull, having joined the team in 2006, playing a key role alongside Adrian Newey in the squad’s run of title success.

The Briton has added another championship to his resumé with McLaren triumphing in the constructors’ standings this year.

Stella has explained his impact at the team has been far greater than what was originally expected.

“Rob came with a wealth of experience, knowledge from a technical point of view, with a reputation from this point of view,” Stella told media including RacingNews365.

“I have to say that, working with him, myself, the other technical directors, the entire technical team, we have been impressed even more than what we expected.

“Because of these qualities, the knowledge of how you design a car, especially from a car layout point of view. This is very important for 2025, and this will be very important for 2026.”

Marshall filling gap previously missed at McLaren

McLaren is looking to secure the drivers’ championship next season to accompany the constructors’ trophy from this year.

However, it will also be looking to 2026 when new technical regulations will come into play and commence a new era for the sport.

Stella stated Marshall has filled a gap that existed within the team, placing it in a much healthier position.

“He’s doing all the work in terms of layout for 2025, 2026 and we did miss this kind of role at McLaren before,” Stella said. 

“In addition to that, Rob brings fantastic human qualities, a very positive person. Everyone enjoys working with him. He’s full of energy.

“You can see him in the garage and very often he’s just laying under the car on the ground.

“Everyone appreciates his incredible knowledge and experience, but at the same time, his hands, and sometimes even his head are dirty because he was with his hands on the parts. 

“So that’s something that we did miss before, and we are glad that now we have it in the role.”