James Allison commits future to Mercedes

Mercedes Technical Director, James Allison has signed a long-term contract extension, the news coming after Toto Wolff signed a new deal with the Silver Arrows.

Allison joined Mercedes in 2017 as Technical Director, with the team going on to win four drivers’ titles and five constructors’ championship during that stint.

He moved up to Chief Technical Officer four years later, focusing on longer term strategy for the F1 project and working on other projects outside the sport such as the INEOS Britannia America’s Cup team.

The 55 year old returned to a more frontline role as Technical Director in April last year, swapping positions with Mike Elliot.

Allison boasts a wealth of F1 experience beyond his championship-winning time at Mercedes, the Brit also picked up drivers’ and constructors’ championships at Renault and Ferrari in an illustrious career that began in the early 1990s and has marked him as one of the greatest technical mind in Formula 1.

Mercedes has endured a challenging couple of seasons, having secured just one victory in that period as they have been comfortably outperformed by rivals and reigning world champions Red Bull.

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

Allison on the news.

I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team. Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport. 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.

Wolff on the news.