Lowe is ours for at least a year, says Whitmarsh

Martin Whitmarsh confirmed today that technical director Paddy Lowe is committed to the team for at least a year – but admitted that the longer term situation was unclear.

Last week it emerged that Lowe had been talking to Mercedes about a possible future management role, leading to an awkward meeting with his bosses.
Lowe was a notable absentee from today’s launch of the new MP4-28.

“The certainty is that Paddy will be part of the team for another year,” said Whitmarsh. “It’s less certain, I think as has been speculated in the media, beyond that. But it’s something I’m sure we will have some certainty on in the near future.”

Asked why Lowe was absent Whitmarsh said: “Clearly there’s a lot of media interest, and I think it’s good that Paddy concentrates on doing his job. I don’t think he wants to create any embarrassment to the team or to any of his colleagues. It’s his own election, he felt it wasn’t appropriate to be here.”