“For us, will it make a massive difference? For me, having Tim in the position
he is now in is fantastic. He was exceptional in his previous role and he
will be in this one, too. He is the guy who designed the 2012 car that won
seven races last year, so he knows exactly what he is doing.
“When I came to this team it wasn’t about one individual. I didn’t come here
because Paddy was here or because Lewis was here. I came because this is
McLaren, with its heritage and history, and its strength in depth. It’s not
about one individual. Paddy leaving is part of the sport – people move
around and go to different places. But this team will succeed with or
without Paddy in the future.”
Jonathan Neale, McLaren’s managing director, disclosed that he had learnt of
Lowe’s intention to leave eight weeks ago.
Brushing aside the suggestion that the team had lacked the financial muscle to
keep Lowe, he explained: “In the marketplace at the moment, if you have a
team and you want to go out and buy some short-term know-how, then you can
pay telephone number salaries.
“From time to time we have all done it. It’s not unique to any particular
team. But we will certainly miss Paddy. I have worked with him for 12 years
– he is a great guy and on a personal level I’m sorry to see him go and do
something else.”