After the most recent experiences in Ferrari e McLaren, although the latter lasted very little, David Sanchez is ready for a new adventure, this time with Alpine where he will hold the role of Executive Technical Director. Sanchez will be able to start working immediately with the transalpine team where he will manage three areas of the team's new technical structure: performance, engineering and aerodynamics.
A new beginning
2024 hasn't started off in the best way for David Sanchez. After leaving Ferrari he moved to McLaren but the relationship with the Woking team lasted just 3 months. A separation due to a wrong reading of roles and ambitions. Neither side was satisfied and so Sanchez found himself released again. Sanchez didn't last long on the market. Alpine has in fact decided to entrust him with a role more suited to him, that of Executive Technical Director. Three figures will refer to him. Ciaron Pilbeam (Technical Director – Performance), Joe Burnell (Technical Director – Engineering) and David Wheater (Technical Director – Aerodynamics).
The French environment is not entirely new for Sanchez who began his Formula 1 career in Enstone Junior Aerodynamicist for Renault in 2005. Compared to the past, however, the team is going through a much more difficult period. After 5 races, not even one championship point has yet been achieved. Only two teams besides Alpine, Williams and Stake, have this disappointing record. The crisis has also led to rumors regarding a possible sale of the French team. But despite this, Sanchez doesn't hide his enthusiasm at being able to work again with the Enstone technicians.
Sanchez's words and Bruno Famin
“I am excited about this challenge in Alpine – declared Sanchez – I'm looking forward to working at Enstone again, the place where I started my Formula career 1. This team has always had so many great people and there is a lot of potential to be exploited. We have a lot of work to do to improve performance on the track and it is this type of challenge that motivates me. I'm ready to get started and I can't wait to work with the Enstone-Viry technical teams again with the sole aim of bringing success back to this great team."
Sanchez's arrival is part of a total restructuring of the internal organization of the French team, as also commented by team principal Bruno Famin. “I am delighted to welcome David back to Enstone – declared Famin – it is a vital appointment to ensure we are maximizing what we do as a team and that we focus on the right performance areas. It is clear that the car's performance and development path has not moved at a sufficient pace compared to our ambitions. We look forward to welcoming David and working hard together to achieve success.".
Source statements: FormulaPassion
