Renault signs senior Mercedes design engineer

With the French car manufacturer continuing to push on with investment and recruitment, Harman's knowledge of how world champion Mercedes integrates its engine, transmission and chassis will be a further boost for its long-term planning.

Harman will start working for Renault on September 1 2018.

Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of Renault's F1 project, said: "Over the past three years Bob Bell has been leading the charge for the team to reinforce its technical line-up.

"We are delighted to have attracted someone of Matthew's calibre to enable the team to anticipate on the design cycle of future cars, a crucial benefit, something we are currently missing since the team's acquisition and that will become even more important with the upcoming changes planned for 2021."

Harman, has worked with Mercedes for more than 17 years, and will assist Renault's chief designer Martin Tolliday in the design of future cars when he makes his switch to Enstone.

He originally joined Mercedes engine division in 2001, as engineering team leader, before moving into his powertrain integration role with the F1 team in '11.