Honda F1’s Sporting Director Gil de Ferran has left the team with immediate effect.

“I am disappointed that Gil is leaving our team,” said team boss Nick Fry. “Since he joined us in 2005 we have enjoyed a very positive relationship. However, a Formula One team is rather like a jigsaw puzzle in that every piece has to fit precisely in its place.

“Gil has become increasingly uncomfortable in his role and feels the time has now come to seek fresh opportunities. We are very much hoping that Gil will choose to maintain close links with the Honda family.”

De Ferran is apparently leaving to ‘pursue other opportunities’. This all feels a bit sudden, especially since de Ferran was at the Honda Open Day on Sunday…