Tesla hires Red Bull Racing’s former chief mechanic

Kenny Handkammer

Tesla made a big new hire today, signing former Red Bull Racing head mechanic Kenny Handkammer to become the California carmaker's new Global Director of Service Training.

Naturally, Elon Musk took to Twitter to talk about it, and what he says is interesting:

"As everyone has experienced at one time or another, the dealer-service experience can be very hit-or-miss. Musk clearly sees Handkammer as a change agent. F1 is about speed and efficiency in doing everything.

"Reinventing the entire culture of automotive service wouldn't just be a great marketing tool for Tesla. As the company grows its lineup and presumably increases volume across a maturing range of vehicles, a quicker, better service experience becomes crucial.

"Handkammer, who can boast of being part of 13 Formula 1 world championships and 97 race wins across stints with Benneton, Renault, and Red Bull, will move to the US for his new role."

It's an interesting, out-of-the-mainstream choice for a company that relishes operating outside the mainstream.

via: Motorsport.com