MEXICO: Mercedes has bid farewell to one of its key technical figures, Mike Elliott. After serving as the team’s Chief Technical Officer since early 2023, Elliott’s departure marks the end of an era that spanned 11 years.
Elliott’s journey with Mercedes began in 2012, and over the years, he climbed through the ranks, eventually leading the aerodynamic department and becoming the Technology Director. In mid-2021, he took on the role of technical director, steering the team through the transition to the new ground-effect regulations introduced in 2022.
Under Elliott’s guidance, the first car built under these regulations, the W13, faced challenges. Its successor, the W14, also encountered a rocky start to the 2023 season.
Elliott initiated an internal review, leading to a reversal of roles with James Allison, who returned to the helm as technical director while Elliott assumed the broader position of Chief Technical Officer.
Since then, under Allison’s leadership, Mercedes has seen a resurgence in competitiveness. The team abandoned the zero-sidepod concept and adopted a new design inspired by Red Bull’s successful RB19 concept, resulting in improved performance throughout 2023.
Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff, expressed mixed feelings about Elliott’s departure, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team’s success over the past decade.
Wolff praised Elliott’s intelligence and teamwork, highlighting his impact on both the technical aspects and the team culture.
Elliott, reflecting on his time with Mercedes, expressed gratitude for the privilege of being part of the team’s journey. He acknowledged the challenges faced in recent seasons and his role in reevaluating performance strategies.
Elliott stated that he believes now is the right time to take a step beyond Mercedes, allowing him to pause and seek out new challenges after dedicating 23 years to the sport.
As Mike Elliott embarks on a new chapter, Mercedes will face the task of filling the void left by a figurehead who played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements and technological advancements over the past decade.
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