F1 News

Wolff happy that Allison will stay on as Mercedes technical director

Wolff overjoyed with Allison staying on: 'That makes him the very best'

18 January at 10:42

James Allison, Mercedes' technical director, has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Formula 1 team. Team boss Toto Wolff is overjoyed that Allison will remain part of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's team for the long term.

Wolff overjoyed with Allison staying on

After spending some time working on another motorsport project as CTO, Allison returned to F1 in 2023 to take up his old position again. This was at the expense of Mike Elliott, who left the team six months later. For Mercedes, Allison's contract extension is an important step towards the new 2026 regulations, so Wolff is overjoyed that the technical director is staying on.

"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. 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," said the Mercedes team boss.

"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," Wolff said.