Long-time Mercedes chief Mike Elliott has left the team after 12 seasons, spending 23 straight seasons in the Formula 1. The decision comes at a time when Mercedes have reportedly understood where they went wrong with the 2023 car and have turned their full focus to building a car capable of challenging for the title next year.
They have been outdone by Red Bull in the last two seasons, and have been a shadow of their former selves. But there is optimism that things could change considerably from next season onwards with new plans in motion and a change in the technical team.
Mike Elliott leaves Mercedes after 12 seasons
“Although the last two seasons have not seen us winning races in the manner we aspire to, they have tested us in many other ways – and forced us to question our fundamental assumptions about how we deliver performance. During the past six months, I have enjoyed developing the technical strategy that we hope can provide the foundations of the team’s next cycle of success,” Mike Elliott told Formula 1’s official website as per a statement released by them.
“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.”
Elliott assumed the Chief Technical Officer role in April of this year, replacing James Allison. He started out as an aerodynamicist before moving up the ranks and assuming the CTO role earlier this year. As per the official statement from Mercedes, he will now take a break from the sport before deciding on his next challenge.
