For McLaren, meanwhile, the loss of Lowe to Mercedes is a clear setback so
soon after Lewis Hamilton’s departure. Lowe will see out his contract in
Woking but will almost certainly not be seen around the grand prix scene,
with McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh admitting that he would be
performing a “different role” within the organisation. Tim Goss, the
engineering director and a McLaren stalwart of 23 years, succeeds him.
On the machinations between McLaren and Mercedes, Damon Hill, the 1996 world
champion, said: “When Niki Lauda assumed the chairmanship, it was clear that
they were going to make some changes, to justify the expenditure that
Mercedes are making, and to make a statement.”