Mercedes has bid farewell to their Chief Technical Officer, Mike Elliott, ending an 11-year partnership. Elliott, who has worked previously for McLaren and Renault/Lotus, joined the team in 2012 as the head of aerodynamics and brought with him a wealth of relevant knowledge. During the turbo hybrid era, he was instrumental in Mercedes' Formula 1 success. Just six months ago, he transitioned to the role of Chief Technical Officer, switching positions with the current Technical Director, James Allison. Mercedes has announced that Elliott will be taking time off from racing in the coming months while they implement their plan. During his time off, he can plan for his next endeavour. With Mike Elliott leaving Mercedes, an era has come to an end, and the team will undoubtedly miss his invaluable contributions.
F1: Toto Wolff Praises Mike Elliott
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff said: “Mike has been one of the pillars of the team’s achievements over the past decade and it’s with truly mixed feelings that we say goodbye to him today. Mike is a fiercely intelligent technical brain and a great team-player; he has made a strong contribution not just to winning racing cars but also to building the culture of our team."
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After 11 incredible years, Chief Technical Officer Mike Elliott has chosen to depart the team.
Mike has been one of the pillars of the team’s achievements and we thank him for everything he has brought to the team.
We wish you the best of luck with your next chapter, Mike!
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) October 31, 2023
"But on the other side, it’s clear that he’s ready for new adventures beyond Mercedes – so I know this is the right step for him to take, too. He leaves the team today with our thanks for the effort, commitment, and expertise he has brought to the team over the past 11 years – and our very best wishes for the future," Wolff added.
Elliott said: “It has been one of the great privileges of my career to be part of this Mercedes team. During my time, I have seen it grow from a group of people pulling together to win races, then a first championship, to winning a record eight consecutive constructors’ championships – and I am proud to have made my contribution to that journey."
"I have decided that now is the right time to make my next step beyond Mercedes – first to pause and take stock, after 23 years of working flat-out in this sport, and then to find my next challenge. I would like to thank my team-mates for a fantastic 12 seasons together and wish them every success for the years to come," he said.
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Mercedes is conducting a major makeover in its technical department as a response to two disappointing Formula 1 seasons and with the intention of providing competitive vehicles for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in 2024. The resignation of Mike Elliott signals a critical milestone in Mercedes' prospective adjustment in philosophy and approach for their next W15 car.
Mike Elliott started working for Mercedes in 2012, first as head of the aerodynamics department, and later rising through the ranks to become the company's Technology Director. In 2021, he succeeded James Allison as the team's Technical Director. He was instrumental in the creation of Mercedes' first vehicle to meet the new ground-effect standards that went into effect in 2022. Mercedes's reorganisation shows the team is serious about winning races again.
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