Mercedes make big changes with tech team switch

Mercedes has reshuffled its technical department after its 2022 struggles filtered through to the new campaign, RacingNews365.com can confirm.

The Silver Arrows failed to sustain its dominance into the new regulatory era in F1, slumping at the beginning of last year before fighting back, albeit only securing a single race victory at the penultimate round of the season.

After a disappointing start to the new year, with Lewis Hamilton claiming only one podium for the team in Australia and a gulf in performance to Red Bull still apparent, Mike Elliott has switched roles with James Allison.

The move sees Allison return as Technical Director just 20 months on from handing over to Elliott before becoming Chief Technical Officer.

That role took in opportunities surpassing the F1 project, but Elliott has now deemed his skills to not be suitable to perform his role to the best of his ability.

It was therefore agreed that the pair would swap positions, with Allison now taking a more hands-on role in overseeing the production and development of F1 machinery.

Further changes made

The change comes at a crucial moment for Mercedes, with a raft of upgrades expected to be added to the car at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in the hope of cutting the deficit to Red Bull and securing its place ahead of Aston Martin in the pecking order.

Further amendments at Mercedes see the job profiles of senior designers altered, with Giacamo Tortora moved into the Engineering Director role - last held by Aldo Costa until 2018 - working closely with Chief Designer John Owen. The move helps the team adapt to the constraints of the budget cap era.