MIKE ELLIOT — Head of Aerodynamics
After graduating from London’s Imperial College with a degree in aerodynamics, Mike Elliot went to work at McLaren in 2000. Eight years later he joined Enstone as lead aerodynamicist, where he worked with James Allison, who was managing the Renault-Lotus design office. With the 2013 Lotus E21 he introduced segmentation philosophy (which closely controls the airflow by multiplying the appendages or cut outs)…that today is featured on the Mercs.
After three and a half years, Elliot accepted Ross Brawn’s offer to replace Loïc Bigois as chief aerodynamicist. But it wasn’t easy, as Brawn related in his book Total Competition:
“I hired Mike to be the chief aerodynamicist at Mercedes. He was the number two at Lotus. When you look for a department head, I believe it’s always interesting to choice someone who can go no further in another team. These people are looking to prove themselves, they lack some experience, but we can help them go forward. Mike is a perfect example. Several colleagues at Mercedes, who knew Mike, told me he had a good attitude. Back then, Lotus was punching above its weight with its limited budget. In taking on someone from the outside, you add competence to your team, but what counts is that there is a good person behind the talent. To recruit someone just for their capabilities is near-sighted.”
“Mike was hard to convince, because he was very loyal to Lotus. The team was in deep financial difficulty, and he didn’t want to be a rat that jumps ship. It took some time to encourage him to join us. In fact, paradoxically, what we look for, are people who have a hard time leaving their team, because we respect their loyalty and commitment. If someone says yes the first time, you should wonder why.”
