Former Lotus, Renault and Ferrari technical director James Allison has agreed to join Mercedes in the same position. The 49-year-old, who also won two world drivers’ and constructors’ championships at Renault from 2005, will officially start work in March.
Allison had been out of Formula One since July last year following the death of his wife, and joins following the departure of former technical chief Paddy Lowe to Williams.
On joining the team that won all except two races last year, Allison had this to say: “I am very excited to be getting back to work after this time away from the sport.
“It’s a massive privilege to be given the trust of a position in a team that has done so spectacularly well in the past three seasons.
“I am really looking forward to playing my part in helping Mercedes go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff added: “I am delighted to welcome James to Mercedes and very much looking forward to working with him. Our technical team is extremely skilled at every level and at the top of its game after delivering three world championships in a row.”
Allison will officially start work during the first pre-season test in Barcelona, where despite the huge shake up in technical regulations Mercedes are once again expected to be on top.
The Silver Arrows are looking to defend a run of dominance that has seen them win each of the last three World Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships.
The new Formula One season begins on March 26 at Albert Park, Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, where yet another thrilling season will start.
Jack Prentice @JPrentice8