Mercedes confirms new role for Paddy Lowe

Mercedes has agreed terms with McLaren for Paddy Lowe to join the Brackley team as of Monday June 3.

McLaren said earlier this year that Lowe was under contract until the end of the season, but their arrangement allows the erstwhile McLaren technical director to make a significant contribution to Merc’s 2014 turbo project. It remains to be see what McLaren has received by way of compensation.

Lowe has a newly created job title and the team has stressed that Ross Brawn is still in charge.

Mercedes says: “Paddy will strengthen MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS in the role of Executive Director (Technical) and will work closely with Team Principal, Ross Brawn; Executive Director (Business), Toto Wolff; and the team’s senior technical management. As Team Principal, Ross Brawn will retain overall responsibility for technical and sporting matters.”

Lowe commented: “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 One. I look forward to much success together in the years ahead.”

Brawn 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 pit lane. 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.”