After announcing Toto Wolff’s renewal, Mercedes confirms that James Allison will continue as the team’s technical director. After two years characterised by technical difficulties, the Silver Arrows have started 2024 with key announcements.
Mercedes will try to return to victory after a difficult two-year period, with George Russell’s Brazil victory being the main highlight. The Mercedes W15 will be presented on February 14th with the difficult objective of challenging Max Verstappen for the World Championship.
Alongside this, the more realistic ambition of returning to winning will be tested when the season begins in Bahrain.
James Allison: “A privilege to continue with Mercedes”
Allison says he is proud to continue working with Mercedes, explaining what a turning point it was for his career:
“Formula 1 has given me great luck, but never as great as being able to answer Toto Wolff’s call to join the team, Mercedes, in 2017.
“It is a privilege to be able to continue this adventure by working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for success in the world championship.”
The English technician’s career in motorsport began in 1991 as an aerodynamicist for Team Benetton. He then claimed six constructors’ titles with Ferrari between 1999 and 2004.
After important experiences at Renault and Lotus, Allison joined Brackley in 2017. Upon arrival, he provided a fundamental contribution to the team on the technical front.
Toto Wolff: “James is a fundamental piece for Mercedes, the most impressive technical leader in F1”
“I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team. Simply put, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport. His gladiatorial spirit, combined with his knowledge, experience and determination, make him second to none.
“Personally, since he joined in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner. We can always discuss things openly and honestly. He is the embodiment of the ‘tough love’ team spirit that is vital to us performing at our best.
“James is a true friend you can count on. Not only in times of success but also in the most difficult ones. It has been a pleasure working with him over the past seven years. And I look forward to many more years to come.”
This praise from Wolff shows genuine confidence that Allison can return the Silver Arrows to the sharp end of the grid.
Over the last two years, Mercedes have also lost several key members to rivals. Among these is Loic Serra, who will move to Ferrari and contribute to their engine department.
Mercedes can now count on its two most important pieces in the long term to face a challenge which, though immense, Toto Wolff believes can be surmounted:
“For me, the risk is always more of getting bored than getting tired. This is why I take up the challenges that present themselves to us today, even if they sometimes seem very, very difficult to manage.
“Ultimately, as a shareholder, I want the best return on investment. And the best return on investment is winning.”
Author: Loris Preziosa
Translation: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
