James Allison, the Mercedes technical director, is stepping down from his position to a new position as a chief technical officer. Further, Allison gets emotional while talking about his ‘golden period’ as the technical director.
The 53-year-old Briton joined the Mercedes outfit in 2017 and he helped the German constructor to win many championships. However, the technical director claims he had fulfilled his duties. Therefore, now it’s time for him to pass on the baton to someone else.
James Allison, the Technical Director of Mercedes AMG F1 recalls his good days while stepping down from his position.
However, Allison is getting sad about quitting his post and said, “I’m sure it is the right thing to do but a huge part of me is screaming at me saying ‘what on earth are you doing?’”
Allison further exerted his feelings, “It is definitely the right thing for me and it is definitely the right thing for the team. The second of those two is the more important.
“I’m pretty sure that I will be able to look back at this golden period that I have been lucky enough to have late in my F1 career and think how lucky I was to fall in with this group of people at this time and be part of what is arguably the most successful and amazing Formula 1 team that there has ever been.”
What is the new role of James Allison?
Allison claimed after stepping down, he might have no further ties with the German constructor. However, the Team Principal Toto Wolff thinks Mercedes still needs the help of the Briton. Meanwhile, technology director Mike Elliott will replace Allison as the technical director.
The Brit talks about his new role as the CTO, “The new role had to be one that was not in the front line, was not part of the day-to-day, was not part of the current car or indeed next year’s car.”
Toto Wolff, the Team Principal of Mercedes AMG F1 believes his team still needs the support of James Allison.
“It had to be a role where I could focus on longer wavelength stuff than that, and looking at what challenges the entire company might face and how could we best equip ourselves technically to make sure we are well set to face them.” He added.
James Allison further said, “It really is what it is described as. It is not an operational role that is the preserve of a technical director.”
Currently, Mercedes AMG F1 is topping the 2021 Constructor Standings with 60 points. Thus, the Brackley outfit needs to gear up for the upcoming race at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve on May 02.
