Mercedes chief hits back at Red Bull domination theory

Wolff, Allison, Mercedes — Photo: © LAT Images

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Mercedes chief hits back at Red Bull domination theory

The world champions were way out in front in 2023

By Sam Cook.

Friday 26 January 2024 22:57

James Allison has insisted that his return to his old role as technical director at Mercedes hasn't been ruined by the gap between his team and Red Bull.

The Brit replaced Mike Elliot early last year, a moment of synchronicity after Elliot himself had replaced Allison in that role.

Since then, he has witnessed Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez claim every race win bar one, while Mercedes' two stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russell had to settle for just the eight podiums between them.

Team principal Toto Wolff has already stated that Mercedes' 2024 car will feature dramatic changes compared to the underperforming W14, changes that Allison will be overseeing in the hope of getting back to winning ways in the upcoming season.

Merceedes' W15 will be officially unveiled on February 14.

James Allison rejoined the Mercedes setup in 2023

Lewis Hamilton has not won a race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

George Russell was the last Mercedes driver to win a race, at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix

Allison's Mercedes return

Now, Allison has been talking about his return to the role of technical director, suggesting he enjoys the challenge of attempting to hunt down the dominant Red Bull team.

“You say it's no fun, actually it's lots of fun,” Allison told Autosport.

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“It isn't as much fun as winning, that's definitely true, but you have to sort of love the whole of the sport. It involves taking your licks when you haven't done a good enough job.

“I think one of the things to admire about Red Bull's current performance is that they stuck gamely to their task in quite a long period in the wilderness,” he continued.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Sergio Perez George Russell