Formula 1 News: Why Paddy Lowe Left Mercedes for Williams

Feb 04, 2017 02:39 PM EST | BC Tabotabo

Formula 1 Mercedes' former technical boss Paddy Lowe is leaving. He is joining Williams and expected to become a director and shareholder.

Reuters reported that Lowe is departing the Formula One world champions and has begun his "gardening leave." However, there is much speculation that he will likely move to rival Williams. The British-based Mercedes team finally made the long-drawn announcement earlier this week and wished their former technical director well.

Lowe's move to Mercedes-powered Williams is expected to be the first of many transfers. Perhaps the world might also see Williams' Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas also moving to Mercedes to replace the retired world champion, Nico Rosberg.

The former technical director has helped Mercedes win three successive constructors and drivers' titles. He officially began his Formula One career with Williams in 1987. There, he spent six years before he moved to McLaren.

The 54-year-old Britton eventually joined Mercedes in 2013 as part of the senior management team. This came six months after the arrival of Britain's triple world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Lowe's Transfer to Williams. Lowe's move to Williams has dragged on in recent weeks. The BBC reported that an insider source close to Williams has revealed that they are already "in the final stages." A spokesperson from Williams has declined to comment while Lowe was unavailable for an interview.

The transfer is obviously fantastic news for Williams. The Mercedes-powered company has suffered a decline in the 200s but recently revived to third place finishes in 2014 and 2015 in the constructors' championship. With Lowe back in their team, perhaps they will be looking at a better year.

Lowe's reasons for departing as executive director of Mercedes are still unclear but it is known that the split was initiated by the team. Wolff and Lowe have reportedly been in dispute over Lowe's level of authority and remuneration at the team. The BBC's report even implies that Lowe was maybe too ambitious and demanding so much so that not even Mercedes could keep him in line. In his place, the world champion has now recruited James Allison who is Ferrari's former technical director.

How will Lowe's departure affect the Mercedes and Williams teams? Do you think it was a good idea for Mercedes to let go of Lowe and replace him with Allison? Thoughts and comments below.

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