Russell name checks Mercedes figure key to F1 turnaround

George Russell has pinpointed James Allison's return to the technical director role at Mercedes as having an "immense benefit" on the team. 

Allison stepped down as technical director in 2021 after four championship-winning seasons to become chief technical officer, but in April 2023, swapped jobs with Mike Elliott to re-assume the technical directorship after Mercedes' slow start to another ground-effects season. 

Under his second stewardship, Mercedes has recovered to be in a position to challenge for race victories on merit, with Russell benefiting from the Max Verstappen/Lando Norris collision in Austria before Lewis Hamilton ended his long win drought at the British Grand Prix.

A one-two on the road followed in Belgium before Russell was disqualified for being underweight having taken the win, with progress stalling since the summer break, but Russell also still believes a "big swing" has taken place.

"I think James Allison's re-involvement with the project has been an immense benefit for us," Russell told media including RacingNews365. 

"We've always had this talent within the squad, but just having that clear leadership and clear direction to maximise the talent of the designers and the aerodynamicists has been vital. 

"The experience he's got is huge as well, so I think that has been a big factor.

"The upturn in performance from us and McLaren has definitely been quite a pleasant surprise, and maybe a bit exaggerated with Red Bull's loss as well. 

"I think we've moved forward and they've also come back, so it is a big swing, but in a normal season, a driver and team should not win every race, and this is the norm. 

"We are talking about this disaster for Red Bull, but this is what happens in a normal season."