James Allison has signed a new long-term contract to remain as Mercedes’ technical director.
Allison – who joined Toto Wolff in committing his future to the Silver Arrows – has the job of helping the team recapture their position as the sport’s dominant force after slipping behind Red Bull.
Read our other sports news stories here:
Australian Open, day five round up
Australian Open day six, preview and predictions
Raducanu trusts in body again, says winning Australian Open return ‘just the beginning’
Mercedes have won just one race across the last two seasons, a record in stark contrast to the glory years that preceded 2022 when they won eight consecutive constructors’ championships.
Wolff said: “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.
“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.”
We are delighted to confirm that James Allison has signed a long-term contract extension to remain as Technical Director 👏
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) JANUARY 18, 2024
Allison accepts overcoming Red Bull is a huge challenge but is adamant it can be done.
He told BBC Sport: “I think Toto drew the comparison between climbing Mount Everest and the challenge we have in front of us and I think that’s a fairly apt comparison.
“Everest is the sternest of challenges but it is nevertheless something that is possible to do.
“And I think that’s how we’re taking this as something which is where we are, absolutely a challenger rather than a favourite. But nevertheless, we hope we’ve done a good job with the new car, we hope we’ve addressed some of the shortcomings that were so publicly on display with it last year.”