The Mercedes F1 team has announced that its technical director James Allison has signed a long-term contract extension with the Brackley squad.
The renewal of Allison’s allegiance is undoubtedly an important event for Mercedes given the manufacturer’s efforts to return to its winning ways following two disappointing campaigns that yielded but a single win in 44 races for the former championship winning outfit.
Allison played a key role in Mercedes' F1 success from 2017 to 2021 but stepped away from the team’s engineering department in July 2021, with Mike Elliott taking over his responsibilities.
However, the significant aerodynamic issues encountered by Mercedes with its first new-generation 'ground effect' car, and which extended into the 2023 season, encouraged the team's top brass to entrust Allison with a more prominent role in the development of its troubled F1 car.
This led to Allison and Elliot effectively swapping roles last spring, with the former once again leading the team’s design department.
"F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto's call to join Mercedes in 2017,” Allison said, commented on his contract extension.
“It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success."
Mercedes team boss and co-owner Toto Wolff was equally thrilled to prolong the residency at Brackley of “the most impressive technical leader” in Formula 1.
"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,” 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."
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