F1: Mercedes confirm addition of two 'key engineering appointments' after signing Mark Ellis and Giles Wood from rivals Red Bull

The pair have been signed in an effort to improve the team's simulation and vehicle dynamics departments

Lewis Hamilton at the wheel of his Mercedes during qualifying in Brazil (GETTY IMAGES)

Mercedes have announced two “key engineering appointments” after acquiring the services of Mark Ellis and Giles Wood from world champions Red Bull.

Ellis will join the Brackley-based team as performance director in June 2014, with Wood taking the position of chief engineer, simulation and development at the same point.

The appointments come shortly after it was confirmed team principal Ross Brawn would leave Mercedes at the end of the year, with Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe taking over the leadership of the team.

A Mercedes statement read: "The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team is pleased to announce two key engineering appointments for the 2014 season.

"These two newly-created roles will further strengthen the team's technical organisation, particularly in the fields of simulation and vehicle dynamics.

"Mark Ellis will join the team as performance director in June 2014. Giles Wood will take up the position of chief engineer, simulation and development at the same time.

"Both new recruits will join Mercedes AMG Petronas from Red Bull Technology."

The moves come as a further blow to Red Bull, who are set to lose aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou to McLaren in 2015.

PA