Ferrari to poach Lowe from Mercedes? (2nd Update)
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| Lowe to Ferrari? No, its Aldo Costa they want and need to poach |
(GMM) Ferrari has now played down rumors linking Mercedes' Paddy Lowe with a move to Maranello.
Amid reports in the Italian press that the Briton had been targeted as a potential long-term successor to James Allison, Lowe insisted: "I am not talking to Ferrari and they are not talking to me."
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also played down what he called an extension of the "silly season".
He told Bild: "Paddy to Ferrari? That's news to me!
"If someone wants to leave you can't stop them, but I try to create a good spirit in the team," Wolff added.
And now, Ferrari chief Maurizio Arrivabene has responded to the Lowe rumors, saying in Singapore: "We have repeated 10,000 times that we are perfectly ok with the people that we have.
"We have the right people with Mattia (Binotto) and the people who are working with Mattia. They just need to continue this atmosphere, look forward to next year, keep an eye on this year also eventually to work in peace.
"That means without pressure. So we don't need to add anyone," he insisted.
09/16/16 (GMM) Paddy Lowe has hit back at rumors linking him with a switch to Ferrari.
The Italian newspaper La Stampa claimed that, with James Allison recently stepping down at Ferrari amid suggestions Mattia Binotto is only a temporary solution, leading Mercedes chief Lowe could be signed up.
"When someone of his caliber is available, of course you have to think about it," Sebastian Vettel said in Singapore.
"But to my knowledge he is not available."
Germany's Auto Bild claims Lowe's current contract actually expires at the end of the year, and the Briton would then have to serve a six-month period of 'gardening leave'.
But Lowe insisted: "I am not talking to Ferrari and they are not talking to me.
"I am happy where I am. I work for a great team and with great people and I get along well with Toto Wolff. For me, there is no reason to change," he added.
09/15/16
(GMM) Sebastian Vettel on Thursday did not deny rumors linking Mercedes chief Paddy Lowe with a move to Ferrari.
It is not the only rumor swirling in the Singapore paddock.
Another is that Mercedes is using an innovation that mimics active suspension that cannot be outlawed by the FIA until 2018.
"To what extent it is on the edge of legality or not, I cannot judge," Vettel is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.
"But for sure if you have something, you want to exploit it for as long as possible. We also have some clever things on the car," the German added.
As for the rumors linking Mercedes' technical chief with a move to Maranello, Vettel answered: "When someone of his caliber is available, of course you have to think about it.
"But to my knowledge he is not available," he added.
Finally, Vettel was asked about F1's takeover by Liberty Media, and he said: "I think they will not have much influence on the cars.
"But if they do, I would like twice as many cylinders and less complicated electronics. And maybe air conditioning — we could really use it here in Singapore," Vettel joked.