Long-serving McLaren chief mechanic joins Aston Martin F1 Evolution programme

Long-serving McLaren chief mechanic Marc Cox has announced his departure from the team after 17 years to take up a position with Aston Martin F1 'Evolution' programme.

Cox, who served for several seasons as Lando Norris’s number one mechanic, left McLaren’s Formula 1 operation at the end of 2021 to become crew chief for their Extreme E team.

He has now confirmed his return to the F1 paddock with Aston Martin as chief mechanic of Team Silverstone's Evolution programme - the running of previous F1 cars at private tests and demos.

Cox broke the news of his departure from McLaren on Wednesday on social media platform X.

“After 17 years with McLaren it’s time for my next chapter,” he wrote.

“It’s gone by so fast, I had a blast and met some amazing people along the way. I’ll miss you papaya family”.

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Cox’s social media bio now reflects his new role with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team, marking the official end of a long association with the Woking-based outfit.

Adapting to Extreme E

In a 2022 interview published on McLaren’s website, Cox shared insights into the unique demands of working in the Extreme E series.

He compared the smaller, resource-constrained team environment to the vast infrastructure of a Formula 1 outfit.

“It’s not like I’m used to, where if you need a part, you wander around to a different part of the factory, and you go and pick it up.

“It’s a case of putting the order through and then waiting for that part to arrive,” Cox explained.

The Briton also highlighted the hands-on nature of the role, describing the meticulous process of building and rebuilding cars in the series.

“There’s a lot of work involved, wiring harnesses and hard lines, and fitting the general furniture and basic parts of the car – that’s one of the most involved stages. Afterwards, it’s like putting a puzzle together.”

The small, tight-knit nature of the Extreme E team required every member to go above and beyond their standard duties.

“A lot of effort went in from everybody. It’s such a small team, and such a new team as well.

“There’s only four of us, and we’ve all had to go outside of our remits at times, but everyone has done that and worked together well,” he said.

A New Chapter with Aston Martin

Cox’s move to Aston Martin signals a return to the Formula 1 paddock and the opportunity to bring his wealth of experience to a growing outfit aiming for sustained success.

For McLaren, the departure marks the end of an era for one of its longest-serving and most respected team members.

For Cox, it’s a fresh start with a new team – and a new family to call his own.

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