Mercedes sign technical director Allison to “long-term” extension

Mercedes have announced technical director James Allison has signed a “long-term” extension to remain in his role at the team.

After helping Mercedes to four consecutive constructors and drivers’ championship between 2017 and 2020, Allison moved from his technical director role to the new role of chief technical officer during the 2021 season, with Mike Elliott assuming the technical director position. Following Mercedes’ disappointing starts to both seasons in the ground effect era so far, the team moved Allison back into his previous technical director role. Elliott left the team late last year.

Allison’s extended deal will see him hold his role of technical director into the next major technical regulation changes of 2026 with the introduction of revised, 1.6-litre V6 hybrid turbo power units. He said he is looking forward to helping Mercedes to fight for championship titles once more.

“F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto’s call to join Mercedes in 2017,” he said. “It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success.”

Team principal Toto Wolff said he was “thrilled” Allison has committed to Mercedes for the coming years.

“Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport,” Wolff said. “His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none.

His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that. Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally. We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the ‘tough love’ culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best. Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come.”

Mercedes will unveil their W15 car for the 2024 season on Wednesday 14th February. The car is widely expected to be a radical departure from the ‘zero sidepod’ concept that its two immediate predecessors adopted.

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