James Allison reportedly ‘threw Mike Elliot’s concept in the bin’ after returning to the Mercedes Technical Director role 

James Allison replaced Mike Elliott at Mercedes for the role of Technical Director

James Allison reportedly ‘threw Mike Elliot’s concept in the bin’ after returning to the Mercedes Technical Director role 

Lewis Hamilton and James Allison (Via IMAGO)

James Allison replaced the departing Mike Elliott as the Mercedes Technical Director in 2023. Elliott’s retirement was sparked largely by the failed zero sidepod concept leading to Mercedes’ performance being unable to improve.

Allison’s entry marked a period of recovery for Mercedes, as the Brackley-based team attempts to change their car completely for 2024. Italian motorsport.com’s Franco Nugnes reported that Allison completely disregarded Elliot’s car concept in terms of development.

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James Allison, Brackley’s technical director, threw Mike Elliott’s concepts in the bin.
Franco Nugnes claimed, as reported by silverarrows.net

Mercedes’ car in 2024 may well decide their fate for 2025 as well, as the new regulations arriving in 2026 will mean they will focus less on making major developments for 2025. Lewis Hamilton has expressed confidence in the development so far, an optimistic sign for Mercedes.

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James Allison details the benefits of Mercedes’s technical role

James Allison has had an illustrious time in Formula 1, able to make a huge impact in the sport. Allison was involved in some majorly successful periods, such as a role in Ferrari for five years during their dominance until 2004.

Mercedes Technical Director James Allison (Image credit F1)

Allison has also been part of Mercedes since 2017 in a technical role and was promoted to Technical Director in 2023. The 55-year-old described the rewards of working with a team in such a technical role, as the job is challenging yet emotionally rewarding.

The role that I do in the team doesn’t leave much space for that type of self-indulgence. But, what it does do, is it gives an incredibly rewarding, challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding emotionally job.
James Allison said, as reported by PlanetF1

Mercedes has remained winless for the past two seasons after failed steps in car development. James Allison will be hoping to change the 8x Constructors’ Champion’s progress to meet Red Bull at the front of the field in the upcoming years.

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