Mercedes F1 recently announced that they will mix up some key positions on their team. Mixing was particularly focused on two people, namely James Allison and Mike Elliott. While the latter will take on the role of Allison’s technical director, they will promote the former to the role of technical director. Allison’s new role in the team has led to speculation that Mercedes is training him to take on the cloak of team boss from Toto Wolff sooner rather than later.
Allison has been the Silver Arrows’ technical director for 4 years. James is a highly rated member of Mercedes and the F1 paddock in general. Since landing in Brackley, he has played a vital role in leading the team to win 4 championships. It was a role that he was familiar with, considering he also worked in the same role at Renault and Ferrari.
SOCHI, RUSSIA. James Allison, Technical Director at Mercedes, is walking in the paddock. Formula 1 Grand Prix of Russia. Sochi Autodrome in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
While his new role may dissuade him from the day-to-day problems of F1 racing, it also shows that Mercedes believes he is destined for higher accolades. Team boss Toto Wolff also spoke highly of him.
The Austrian, who doesn’t seem to care about his own legacy at Mercedes, said: “Since joining Mercedes in 2017, James has been an exceptional technical director for our team and has made a tremendous contribution to our performance: He combines great passion and Determination with detailed expertise and exceptional moral character. “
Chances are the Silver Arrows will see Allison as the team boss waiting.
How likely is it that James Allison will replace Toto Wolff as team principal at Mercedes?
When they announced Allison’s new role, Mercedes made it clear that they wanted to build for the future. With the new regulations for the 2022 season, Mercedes seems to be viewing this as introducing a new generation.
Formula 1 F1. Bahrain Grand Prix. Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action in qualifying REUTERS / Hamad I Mohammed
In addition, Wolff himself was very open to the realization that he had thoughts of withdrawing from his officiating role. Especially shortly after the 2020 season, when Wolff’s contract expired, people believed he was leaving as a team boss and instead focused on his role as CEO of Mercedes F1.
But he signed a new three-year contract. These three years could be the defining years for Allison himself. As Chief Technical Officer, he will spend a lot of time with Wolff and gain practical experience and insights into working as a team leader.
As soon as Wolff’s contract expires, Allison could step on the plate. From today’s perspective, this is mere speculation. Even so, Allison seems to be in pole position to become the new face of Mercedes F1.
Also read: Mercedes F1 is still puzzled by Nico Rosberg’s ‘bizarre’ shock F1 retirement
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