McLaren, Red Bull spar over aero expert

McLaren consulted their lawyers on Wednesday after Formula One champions Red Bull announced the appointment of an aerodynamics expert their rivals said was contracted to them.

Red Bull said Dan Fallows has been appointed head of aerodynamics, replacing McLaren-bound Peter Prodromou who is now on ‘gardening leave’.

 

The statement drew a swift response from McLaren, who announced at their car launch in January that Fallows had joined along with Prodromou.

 

“Dan Fallows has a legally binding contract with McLaren, and the matter is now in the hands of our lawyers,” said a spokesman for the Woking team.

 

Red Bull said Fallows had left them last year after working as aerodynamics team leader but had returned and was starting his new job with immediate effect.

 

McLaren announced last October that Prodromou would be joining them but Red Bull, constructors’ champions for the past four years, were determined to hold the much sought-after Briton to his contract.

 

They did not say when his leave would formally end.

 

Prodromou was McLaren’s head of aerodynamics until 2006, having joined that team in 1991, when he followed Adrian Newey to Red Bull. McLaren have changed their leadership since Fallows agreed to join, with Ron Dennis retaking overall control and Eric Boullier appointed racing director.