Mercedes F1 Chief Technical Officer Mike Elliott has announced his departure from the team after an impressive 11-year tenure. Known for his instrumental role in the team’s triumphs, the motorsport official of the three-pointed star marque has decided to embark on a new chapter in his career beyond Mercedes.

End of an Era at Brackley

Mike Elliott, a seasoned figure in the world of motorsports, first joined McLaren in 2000 as an aerodynamicist, marking the beginning of a remarkable 23-season journey in Formula 1. Over the past 11 years with Mercedes, he ascended through the ranks, contributing significantly to the team’s success, particularly during the championship-winning seasons from 2012 to 2023.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal, acknowledged Elliott’s departure, citing his intelligence and team-player spirit as invaluable assets to the organization.

A Strategic Shift in Leadership

Earlier this year, Elliott transitioned into the role of Chief Technical Officer at Brackley, where he focused on formulating a comprehensive technical strategy to rejuvenate the team’s capabilities for the future. With the strategy now set in motion, Elliott has opted for a hiatus from the sport in the coming months before embarking on his next professional challenge.

The departure comes at a pivotal moment, as Mercedes navigates changes and reflects on the last two seasons.

Reflections and Future Endeavors

In a statement, Mike Elliott expressed gratitude for the privilege of being part of the Mercedes team and contributing to its evolution from a race-winning collective to a record-breaking constructor. While the recent seasons presented challenges, the former CTO found satisfaction in developing a technical strategy aimed at laying the groundwork for the team’s upcoming successes.

Now, as he steps away from Mercedes, he plans to pause and evaluate his next move after dedicating 23 years to the relentless pace of F1.