Elliott, who initially joined the squad in 2012 as head of aerodynamics after spells with McLaren and Renault/Lotus, has performed an instrumental half within the success that Mercedes has loved in F1 throughout the turbo hybrid period.
However together with his present contract coming to an finish later this yr, and him having stepped away from the technical director position earlier this yr in a job swap with James Allison, he has determined that now is an effective time to maneuver on.
Elliott made the announcement to manufacturing unit workers on Monday night and is now anticipated to serve a interval of gardening depart earlier than he decides what’s subsequent for his profession.
Talking about his determination, Elliott stated he wished to take a while away from the depth of F1, after 23 years of working flat out.
“It has been one of many nice privileges of my profession to be a part of this Mercedes staff,” he defined.
“Throughout my time, I’ve seen it develop from a bunch of individuals pulling collectively to win races, then a primary championship, to profitable a document eight consecutive Constructors Championships. – and I’m proud to have made my contribution to that journey.
“Though the final two seasons haven’t seen us profitable races within the method we aspire to, they’ve examined us in lots of different methods – and compelled us to query our basic assumptions about how we ship efficiency.
“In the course of the previous six months, I’ve loved creating the technical technique that we hope can present the foundations of the staff’s subsequent cycle of success.
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Mike Elliott, Know-how Director, Mercedes-AMG
“I’ve determined that now’s the precise time to make my subsequent step past Mercedes – first to pause and take inventory, after 23 years of working flat-out on this sport, after which to seek out my subsequent problem. I wish to thank my team-mates for a improbable 12 seasons collectively and want them each success for the years to come back.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was one of many first to reward Elliott’s contribution to the staff.
“Mike has been one of many pillars of the staff’s achievements over the previous decade, and it is with actually combined emotions that we are saying goodbye to him in the present day,” defined Wolff.
“Mike is a fiercely clever technical mind and an awesome team-player; he has made a robust contribution not simply to profitable racing automobiles but additionally to constructing the tradition of our staff.
“However on the opposite facet, it is clear that he is prepared for brand spanking new adventures past Mercedes – so I do know that is the precise step for him to take, too.
“He leaves the staff in the present day with our thanks for the hassle, dedication, and experience he has dropped at the staff over the previous 11 years – and our best possible needs for the longer term.”
