Mercedes-Benz AG "is suing one of its Formula 1 engineers for taking confidential documents and data as he prepared to join competitor Ferrari," according to Patrick Gower of BLOOMBERG. Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, which makes engines for the Mercedes Petronas team, "is suing Benjamin Hoyle, according to an Oct. 19 filing released Monday." Hoyle, who intends to join Ferrari after his contract expires in December, "searched for and saved files including a race report from the Hungary 2015 Grand Prix, mileage and damage data relating to Mercedes’ F-1 engines and files containing code required to decrypt raw race data files, the suit alleges." The suit "gives a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most secretive sports, where small technological advances can hold the keys to a winning season." Just four manufacturers -- Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and Renault -- "supply engines to the entire Formula 1 grid, at what autosport.com estimates is a cost of as much as" £17M ($25.5M) a team per season. The company said in the filing that Hoyle’s "actions were calculated to destroy or seriously damage the relationship of trust" he has with Mercedes. It said, "Mr. Hoyle and potentially Ferrari have gained an unlawful advantage." Hoyle, who joined in '12, told Mercedes that "he would resign when his contract expired at the end of 2015." Mercedes "became aware" shortly afterward that Hoyle intended to join Ferrari and reassigned him to duties that were unrelated to F1. Despite his reassignment, Hoyle "was found looking at race reports and took confidential data, according to the suit." Mercedes "is seeking the return of all documents and information, payment of its legal fees," and wants to block Hoyle from joining Ferrari or any other F1 competitor until after the '16 season (BLOOMBERG, 12/8).
