Lowe sees no reason to leave Mercedes... for now

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In spite of rumors of a rival team bidding for his services, Mercedes tech boss Paddy doesn't see any relevant reason to leave the Brackley squad.

Lowe's future has been the subject of speculation in the past couple of months, fueled by revelations that discussions linked to an extension of his contract were put on hold by Mercedes management, as well as by the existence of an interest in his services by another potential employer.

Apparently, Lowe and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff voluntarily put contract discussions on the back burner in order not to distract from the team's end-of-season efforts to secure a third consecutive Constructors title.

Lowe confirmed the explanation at last Sunday's Autosport Awards, and admitted he could not presently foresee any reason for changing employers.

"I’ve been with Mercedes for 22 years now, either working for them or with them, so I have got no reason to see why that should change, it is going very well," he said.

"Toto and I had a discussion that, let’s wait until the end of the season and get that out of the way, and we will take it from there."

The question of Lowe's salary, or rather its increase, could be a bone of contention between the 53-year-old engineer and Mercedes management, and one which may have encouraged Lowe to consider a rival offer.

While Ferrari was initially believed to be the most obvious team to up the bid, it is alleged that the Scuderia is not interested. With McLaren publicly ruling out rehiring its former engineer, pundits are pointing towards Williams - the team where Lowe started his F1 career - as the most likely candidate courting the Brit's services.

In the end however, it is likely that Mercedes will put an end to the speculation and secure Lowe's future with a new multi-year lucrative contract.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.