McLaren shake up could spell end for Brawn
TEAM principal Martin Whitmarsh believes the strength of McLaren’s team away from the track will not be hindered for the 2014 Formula One season, despite a reshuffle to the constructor’s hierarchy.
McLaren has announced director of engineering Tim Goss is to be promoted to technical director as a replacement for the departing Paddy Lowe, who looks set to join rivals Mercedes, consequently throwing into doubt the future of their vastly experienced team principal Ross Brawn.
The news comes less than a month before driver Jenson Button begins his quest to win the 2013 drivers’ championship and McLaren bid to break Red Bull’s monopoly on the constructors’ title.
But, despite the changes, Whitmarsh believes the future remains bright for his team.
“I firmly believe that our technical and engineering team is the best in the F1 business and that its strength in depth has always been and will continue to be an important element of our on-track success,” said the 54-year-old.
Lowe has been placed on gardening leave and will undertake an alternative role with McLaren for the forthcoming season.