Mercedes hold major reshuffle as James Allison returns to former technical director role after a poor start to the season that left them behind Red Bull… and move could convince Lewis Hamilton to sign a new contract
- Mercedes made a major change to their technical team
- Allison will return as technical director, having stepped down from the position in 2021
- Mike Elliott, who has taken Allison’s place, switched positions during the reshuffle
Mercedes have made a major change to their engineering team by returning their top engineer to his old hands-on role – a reshuffling that could be a key factor in the re-signing of Lewis Hamilton.
James Allison returns as Technical Director, having left in 2021 to take on the role of Technical Director.
Mike Elliott, who has taken Allison’s place, has switched positions with his fellow British engineer.
The reshuffling is a result of Mercedes’ trials and tribulations since 55-year-old Allison stepped aside.
Technical director James Allison (centre) with Lewis Hamilton (left) and Valterri Bottas on the podium after a Mercedes one-two at the 2019 United States Grand Prix
The reshuffle could help Hamilton sign a new contract with Mercedes
Mike Elliott has switched roles with Alisson and will take over as chief technical officer
The team is third in the constructors’ championship and is winless at the start of the season, which resumes in Azerbaijan in a week’s time on Sunday. The car has fundamental design issues that Allison is good at solving.
Mercedes claims the reshuffle is at Elliott’s request, based on his own admission that his skills are not in the position he held.
With Hamilton’s contract up for renewal at the end of the year, this move is a clear incentive to continue the search for an eighth world title.