David Sanchez, Ferrari's head of vehicle concept, has reportedly left the team though it is unclear why.

However, as opposed to being the victim of one of the Maranello team's infamous reshuffles, paddock speculation is that he received an offer he couldn't refuse from a rival team.

The Frenchman began his career in F1 with Renault as an aerodynamicist in 2005, subsequently joining McLaren in 2008 as Aerodynamics Team Leader.

In 2013 he joined Ferrari as Principal Aerodynamicist, before being promoted to the role of Chief Aerodynamicist in 2016.

Working alongside James Allison and Simone Resta, he was a key player as Ferrari sought to make up lost ground at the start of the hybrid era, subsequently taking on even more responsibility during the period that the team was without an official technical director.

Having seemingly resigned, his departure will leave Ferrari lacking a significant technical figure at a time the team is still struggling to deal with the various issues raised in 2022 and which, according to last week's evidence, appear unresolved.

Other than the question of who Ferrari might replace him with is where exactly Sanchez is heading, especially with a number of teams requiring a 'helping hand' at this time. Having previously worked with Andrea Stella at Ferrari, it is entirely possible that Sanchez could return to McLaren.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by elsiebc, 13/03/2023 20:39

"The latest rumor is it was just a bobblehead of James. It's probably in a drawer somewhere. "

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2. Posted by alvarezh3, 12/03/2023 16:02

"@ Editor

We all should be clear by now that Pitpass waits for confirmation on possible doubtful or claimed news and rumors, at least, I am! :-)

That's why, after you pointed out to me a few days ago, I don't use the term "reported" anymore but "claimed" as properly instructed."

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3. Posted by Editor, 12/03/2023 13:22 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 12/03/2023 13:30)

"@ alvarezh3

Lots of "claims" about at present, while some claim that Ferrari personnel are sending out their CVs to rivals teams, and Charles Leclerc is demanding talks with the Ferrari CEO, others claim that Hamilton and Norris are both looking at Ferrari as a possible next move.

For the most part we avoid "claims" and wait for facts."

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4. Posted by kenji, 12/03/2023 13:17

"If Ferrari do lose so many talented people it is just going to be that much harder to make the necessary changes to bring them back for a RB challenge. If Ferrari do slip further back then that also augurs well for AM to fill the gap. Mercedes will also step up now that Hamilton will have delivered all the detailed drawings for the altered suspension geometry and other details that he has. If Mercedes do not improve by the summer break then we need to see Wolff snatch his cards and head off into the fast approaching Stygian darkness. Binotto will once more step up to the plate by re emerging as head of Mercedes....then we'll get back to serious racing in the second half."

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5. Posted by alvarezh3, 12/03/2023 12:36

"It has been claimed that demoted Inaki Rueda plus Gino Rosado and Jonathan Giacobazzi are in the process of leaving or have already left. Additionally, that Mekies could be already checking airline flight schedules."

Ferrari loses key figure

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