The two Formula 1 rivals have reached an agreement: Ben Hodgkinson, who has been a top Mercedes engine engineer for many years, can officially work for Red Bull from May 24 of this year. The Silver Arrows announced this on Friday. Hodgkinson has worked for Mercedes since 2001 and was a senior executive at Mercedes High Performance Powertrains. As Technical Director at Red Bull, he will be responsible for engine development.
The team based in Milton Keynes, England, which ended the Mercedes title series in the drivers’ championship last season thanks to the new world champion Max Verstappen, is now responsible for the drive units itself following Honda’s exit. In addition to Hodgkinson, Red Bull also has other Mercedes employees engaged.