McLaren and Mercedes have come to an agreement which will allow Paddy Lowe to begin working for the German owned outfit from June 3rd.
The former-McLaren technical director had been expected to have to wait until his contract with the Woking team had expired at the end of the year before starting at Mercedes, but the two outfits reached an agreement to allow him to start far sooner.
The move means Lowe, who will take up an executive director role on the technical side, will have a direct input into the development of the team’s 2014 car.
He will work alongside team principal Ross Brawn – who many believe he will eventually replace – and executive director Toto Wolff.
Talking about the move, Lowe said: “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 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.”
