Ben Hodgkinson, a long-time Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains engineer, will leave the German marque to join the recently formed Red Bull Powertrains as Technical Director.
Hodgkinson is to take up a role with the Red Bull engine department to aid them when the take control over the development of the Honda power units after the conclusion of the 2021 Formula 1 season. His main aim will be to head up the technical team as they focus on the new engine regulations that look set to come into the sport in 2025.
He will bring more than twenty-years-experience in engine development to Red Bull after opting to leave Mercedes-Benz, a decision he acknowledges was a hard one to make.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Red Bull Powertrains as Technical Director,” said Hodgkinson. “It was not easy to make the decision to leave HPP after almost 20 years but the opportunity to take on such a far-reaching and important project is a great honour.
“Red Bull is a serious player in Formula 1 and have been our biggest rival in the hybrid era, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in this new phase of the company’s journey.”
Christian Horner, the Team Principal and CEO at Red Bull Racing, has welcomed the news of Hodgkinson’s appointment, and he says his arrival highlights the long-term intent of Red Bull within Formula 1, and he will be given every resource possible to be successful.
“We are delighted to welcome Ben to Red Bull Powertrains as Technical Director,” said Horner. “He comes to this hugely exciting project as a proven race winner and as an innovator capable of leading a like-minded team of highly skilled engineers.
“When Red Bull announced the creation of Red Bull Powertrains it was also announcing a new phase of the company’s ambition in Formula 1 – to bring every aspect of car design in-house and to put our destiny in our own hands.
“The ultimate expression of that is the development of a Red Bull power unit to meet the next generation of Formula 1 engine regulations. Ben’s appointment signals our long-term intent and we will support him and his team with every available resource required in order to succeed.”
