92. Hywel Thomas

Hywel Thomas is the Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains. Born in Torquay, UK, Hywel was interested in motorsports from a young age, watching Grands Prix on TV for as long as he can remember.

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After finishing his Mechanical Engineering degree at Bath University in 1995, Hywel’s career was set after he joined Perkins Engines as a Graduate Engineer. He developed himself in that role and soon got the chance to step up to be a Simulation Engineer for the company.

Several years followed as a Design Engineer at Cosworth Racing. In 2004, Hywel joined Mercedes-Ilmor as a Senior Design Engineer, the company that would later become Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains. It is a relationship that has proved to work exceptionally well, with Hywel fulfilling numerous roles for the company over the years. Starting as a Senior Design Engineer, he became Head of Mechanical Engineering before taking on the role of Engineering Director.

In 2015, Hywel became The Chief Engineer for Mercedes AMG HPP before taking on the development of the Formula One Power Unit as F1 Power Unit Director in 2019. Over the years, Hywel has seen the team in Brixworth contribute to seven consecutive FIA Formula One Constructors’ Championships with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

When asked why he enjoys working for the team, Hywel explains: “The people I work with throughout this organisation are so enthusiastic and dedicated to making this the best team it can be. The team’s ability to continually evolve and change impresses me. We are never satisfied with the norm and always look to improve.”

Since June 2020, Hywel has been Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains, overseeing the development of the Hybrid Power Unit. It’s Hywel’s intention as Managing Director to build and maintain a passionate and effective leadership group who are able, with the involvement of all of the employees, to develop further and deliver the company’s targets, strategies and policies.