Paddy Lowe to join Mercedes F1 team early after McLaren release
Paddy Lowe has been given an early release by McLaren so will join Mercedes next month in a senior management role rather than waiting until 2014
The former McLaren technical director had originally only been expected to join Mercedes when his old contract ran out at the end of the year.
However, an agreement was reached between the two outfits for him to make the switch much earlier than originally anticipated. He will start work for Mercedes on June 3.
He is to join in the role of executive director (technical) and will work closely with team principal Ross Brawn and Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff who is also executive director (business).
Analysis: All eyes on F1's tech boss silly season
Lowe said about his move: "I am excited to become part of a highly talented and capable technical organisation.
"The team has already produced probably the fastest car of the 2013 season while the technical challenges of the new regulations for 2014 will give us the opportunity to maximise the synergies available to a works manufacturer.
"That is a challenge I am relishing. I have worked closely with Mercedes-Benz for almost 20 years and deeply admire the company's phenomenal commitment to Formula 1. I look forward to much success together in the years ahead."
Brawn, who played a part in discussions to bring Lowe to Mercedes, added: "I am delighted to welcome Paddy to the team and to begin working together.
"He has an excellent record of success in the sport and would be an asset to any of our rivals in the pitlane.
"It is no secret that every team is facing a significant balancing act between this year and next.
"But it is perhaps less obvious that we will also see major changes for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, as development progresses with the new generation of car design and power unit.
"To deliver in these circumstances, a successful team needs strength in depth. Paddy's arrival will further strengthen our organisation and puts us in a strong position for the future."
Lowe is viewed as Brawn's long-term successor as team principal, although no time frame has yet been set for when a handover will take place.
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism
Why Norris and Leclerc have been summoned to the FIA stewards before hitting the track in Monaco
Why the differences between the Mercedes and McLaren F1 gearboxes matter
On this day: Jaguar signing Newey sparks legal row
Spool party: How F1's drivers will fight against turbo lag in Monaco
Why Norris and Leclerc have been summoned to the FIA stewards before hitting the track in Monaco
Marquez to "forget" about Hungarian GP podium as he offers recovery update
What makes the Le Mans 24 Hours so special?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments