Is Rob Marshall a missed opportunity for Ferrari?

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A key figure at McLaren
On May 30, 2023, McLaren announced the arrival of Rob Marshall from Red Bull, a British engineer who would take on the role of technical director starting January 1, 2024. Christian Horner, after 17 years of working together, was well aware of the value of the Taunton-born engineer, describing him as a “great asset” and a very important resource for McLaren.
Many have linked McLaren’s significant growth to Rob Marshall’s presence on the team, including figures like Otmar Szafnauer and Helmut Marko.
Our own Carlo Platella also analyzed the fundamental contribution brought to Red Bull by the engineering department led by Marshall, particularly in terms of the compactness and reliability of the cars that eventually hit the track.

Why did Marshall leave Red Bull?
When Rob Marshall decided to end his relationship with Red Bull, which began in 2006, the Anglo-Austrian team had not yet been shaken by internal conflicts. The reasons for his departure are more related to a desire to leave his comfort zone, as he admitted to GPBlog:

“I thought that if I didn't change teams at that point, I'd stay at Red Bull forever. Don't get me wrong, I'd have been happy to stay, but you reach a point where you realize you're stagnant. Things were too easy, too comfortable. I knew everyone. I thought I'd do another five or seven years and then retire. But when doubt starts to creep in, then it's the right time to leave. I'm happy I made this decision, but no one is indispensable, and indeed Red Bull managed just fine without me.”

Ferrari, a missed opportunity?
In 2014, Rob Marshall was already courted by Ferrari, but he chose to renew with Red Bull. Even this time, it seems the doors of Maranello could have reopened for the 56-year-old, based on Marshall’s own words:

“When you're in demand, it's flattering. But looking at the starting grid, only a few teams have a lasting, proven history. Ferrari has it in abundance, as do McLaren and Williams. I mean, Red Bull's supporters are fans of the present, as is the case with Mercedes.”
In short, Ferrari's allure had an impact on Rob Marshall, but their paths did not cross. Yet, it could have happened, given that in March 2023, David Sanchez left Ferrari, and the newly arrived Frederic Vasseur decided to promote Enrico Cardile in his place—right during the months when Rob Marshall decided to leave Red Bull. It must be said that British engineers generally prefer to stay in the UK, but it's undeniable that Marshall's remarks suggest the door was not entirely locked at the time.

Now, Ferrari is happy with Loic Serra, who became technical director on October 1, 2024, following Enrico Cardile's departure, and Marshall is pleased with his choice of McLaren: “For many years, McLaren was seen from the outside as a dull place where dull people worked. And that was the case for a while. But now the atmosphere is absolutely not like that; it's brilliant. Andrea Stella is an inspiring leader, he cares about everyone, and Zak Brown is charismatic and enthusiastic—he makes me laugh every time I talk to him.”

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