In the recent developments at the Mercedes camp, Mike Elliott will give back his position to the predecessor James Allison. This move is happening despite Toto Wolff denying such reports on several occasions.
But with the new regulations exposing Elliott’s incapability to inspire Mercedes for yet another title campaign, the Brackley-based team was expected to make radical decisions. And the deed has been done.
Allison’s return has brought massive excitement among Mercedes fans. However, the Briton isn’t coming back to make an immediate solution but to bring in an impact for the following season.
Here’s your reminder that James Allison built the fastest car in Formula One history 🖤 pic.twitter.com/JI5qtqzTPc
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News ✇ (@MercedesNewsUK) April 21, 2023
F1 expert reveals James Allison is brought back for 2024 contention
For Mercedes, the 2023 season is already laid out. Even the developments are scheduled and will happen accordingly. Thus, for them, Red Bull is already the champion. And according to F1 expert Mark Hughes, Mercedes is bringing Allison to improve their contention in 2024 and not in naive hope for a comeback this year.
“Mercedes is effectively looking to start again with its 2024 car, which will, we can assume, be much more Red Bull-like in concept. Allison will now be leading that project,” wrote Hughes for Race.com.
“We want to do it right”
Toto Wolff explains the direction of Mercedes’ developments this season 🔎 pic.twitter.com/UR9Of57zgR
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 31, 2023
He even reveals that Elliott will be traded for the long-term research project. Mainly to analyze Mercedes’ plan of action for the upcoming engine regulations, which will be enforced from 2026.
Toto Wolff reveals Mike Elliott volunteered to withdraw
A reversal in Wolff’s last words on Elliott’s designation security that weren’t even made more than a week ago came out as surprising. This time, the Mercedes boss even confirmed the report.
But there is a twist. While speaking to Motorsports.com, Wolff revealed that it wasn’t his decision to demote Elliott from his highly regarded position in the team. Instead, the technical director himself handed the idea to swap roles with Allison.
#F1: Toto Wolff on Mike Elliott and James Allison switching roles: “This was very much driven by Elliott owning the process. So, we have reversed the roles. Mike has moved up to CTO, as he has a brilliant switched-on scientific mind.”
— deni (@fiagirly) April 21, 2023
The Mercedes boss even revealed that Elliott confessed his skills would be better suited as a Chief Technical officer. But now it remains to be seen whether this change would help the Silver Arrows.
