After three and a half years at Mercedes, Paddy Lowe is set to leave the Brackley based team just before the start of the 2017 season.

Lowe had joined Mercedes from McLaren during 2013 was instrumental in the runaway success of the Mercedes Formula One Team from the 2014 season when the 1.6 litre hybrid V6 era kicked off in Formula 1.

Under Lowe’s technical leadership Mercedes won three Constructors Championships on the trot and three drivers championships.

He has now begun his period of gardening leave which is mandatory before he takes any position in a rival team.

“The company’s Board wishes Paddy well with his future endeavours and thanks him for his significant contribution to the team’s achievements,” said a statement from Mercedes.

“In the short term, our stable technical organisation will continue to operate under the proven and established leadership of our senior directors Aldo Costa (Engineering Director), Mark Ellis (Performance Director), Rob Thomas (Chief Operating Officer) and Geoff Willis (Technology Director).”

Head of Mercedes Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff commented: “Paddy has played an important part in our success during the past three and a half years and we thank him for his contribution to this significant chapter in Mercedes’ motorsport history.

“Success in Formula One is not about single individuals but about the strength in depth and technical capability of an organisation.

“We have the talent in place to continue our success of recent years and we plan to build upon it in 2017 and beyond.”

There is no word from Mercedes on who Lowe’s successor will be but the former Technical Director of Ferrari, James Allison is widely tipped to take up the position after his period of gardening leave expires.

“I have had a fantastically successful and enjoyable three and a half years at Mercedes working with an incredible team of people,” said Lowe

“I am now looking forward to a new challenge and wish everyone well at Mercedes.”