Mercedes ‘issue engineer ban’ despite Hamilton complaints

Mercedes have forbidden Williams from poaching engineers or other members of staff despite Lewis Hamilton’s complaints. Earlier this season, the seven-time champion claimed Silver Arrows chiefs had not listened to him over the design of the W14.

He demanded mechanics responsible for the lack of pace “owned up” as he demanded “accountability”. However, it appears those working for the German manufacturer have been given a stay of execution and trusted to find a solution.

Former Mercedes strategist James Vowles confirmed he was unable to steal some of his ex-colleagues in his new role as Williams team principal. When asked if he’d effectively been banned from being able to poach other Mercedes staff, he told Auto Motor und Sport: “That is correct. But that’s not just the case between Mercedes and me.

“Anyone who leaves a team cannot simply take people with them. In my particular circumstances, I know some very intelligent people from other organisations that I’m in touch with.”

However, Vowles hinted he would not be deterred could still end up with some of the top engineers in the business. When asked if many of the best teams had lost staff as they could not offer higher pay packets, Vowels stressed this could be Williams’ secret weapon.

He added: “They did. And hopefully some of them will find their way to us.” But, in a blow to Williams staff, Vowles hinted he could be prepared to axe some of the 800-strong staff to being in some bigger names.

He called out the team’s previous approach of hiring a large team as “not clever” in the new cost cap era. He added: “It depends on what the 800 people are doing and how efficiently they work within the budget cap. That’s what it’s all about, efficiency.

“I don’t think we were particularly clever in working out the cost cap. We are in the process of changing that. The number of employees falls back on this. To answer your question: there are different models. But if you look at the top teams – Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari – they employ a lot of smart people. That’s what you strive for.”

Vowles joined Williams just ahead of the pre-season test session in Bahrain after a late switch from Mercedes. Vowles was a key member of the team’s success in winning seven back-to-back Constructors’ Championships.

However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff denied the move strengthened ties between the two squads. He commented: “If I were ever to get involved with James and asked him to become mini-Mercedes, he would tell me to get lost.

“There was always the speculation that Williams, because of the Mercedes engine, was a subordinate but none of that was obviously true and we never interfered into some kind of driver situation.”