Rob Marshall (Taunton, United Kingdom, 1968) developed a passion for technology and machines early in his life, inspired by the work and interests of his father. “My father was also an engineer,” says Marshall on the official website of Red Bull Racing. “On my sixteenth birthday I received an AJS motorcycle from 1930. The parts were in two boxes and I was allowed to sort them out.”
After studying mechanical engineering at the University of Cardiff, the young engineer ends up in the design department of Rolls-Royce. “I just loved technology: planes, boats, trains, cars, really everything that moved,” he says about his role in Rolls’ highly advanced design department. Marshall made the move to Formula 1 in the 1990s. He started working at Benetton, especially during the heyday with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and ’95.
Marshall is deeply impressed by the innovative strength of Formula 1 teams, he notes. “The developments follow each other so quickly. It’s all so direct. You have a problem with something, you come up with a solution, you put it on the car that weekend, it functions and so you have success. That gives a fantastic feeling. “
Marshall remains loyal to the racing stable in Enstone after the takeover by Renault. The Brit works his way up to head of mechanical design. He is co-founder of the Renault R23, which is in the hands of Fernando Alonso, good for the victory in the 2003 Grand Prix of Hungary. He is also there when Jarno Trulli triumphs with the R24 in the Monaco Grand Prix in 2004 and, a year later, witnesses the first world title of Fernando Alonso with the Renault R25.
Marshall is gradually ready for a new challenge and in 2006 he will switch to the then very young Red Bull Racing. “I never considered it a step back, from a team that won championships to a new team,” he explains. “It was just a new challenge. Fortunately, the move became a little easier with the presence of many talented, good people.”
Subsequently, under the wings of technical mastermind Adrian Newey, Marshall will experience the heyday of Red Bull Racing, with four drivers ‘and four constructors’ titles between 2010 and 2013. He says he now enjoys the collaboration with Max Verstappen and motorcycle partner Honda. The designer also says he is looking forward to the new technical regulations of 2021. “Formula 1 is like a constantly moving target,” he concludes. “Nothing is ever good enough. There is no ceiling on what you can do. There is always a way to make the car better.”
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