James Allison (motorsport)


James Allison is an English motorsport designer and engineer, best known for his accomplishments in Formula 1, where he is the current technical director of Mercedes-AMG.

Early life

Born in Louth, Lincolnshire, the son of former Royal Air Force officer, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Allison, James was educated at Abingdon School and Cambridge.

Career

Benetton, Larrousse, and Ferrari: 1991–2005

After graduating from Cambridge in 1991, Allison joined the aerodynamics department of the Benetton Formula One team. After a couple of years at Benetton he moved to Larrousse as head of aerodynamics before returning to Benetton as head of aerodynamics in the mid-1990s. In 2000, he moved to Ferrari for five years.

Renault/Lotus: 2005–2013

Allison returned to Benetton in the role of deputy technical director in 2005. In 2009 Allison moved to the role of technical director. In 2011, Renault F1 became Lotus Renault GP before becoming Lotus F1 in 2012.

Return to Ferrari: 2013–2016

On 8 May 2013, Allison quit as Lotus F1 Team technical director to be replaced by Nick Chester. On 29 July 2013 Allison rejoined Ferrari as chassis technical director and then technical director until July 2016. On 27 July 2016 Allison quit as Scuderia Ferrari technical director following the death of his wife.

Mercedes AMG: 2017–present

On 16 February 2017 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport announced that Allison was to join the team in the newly created role of technical director, following the departure of Paddy Lowe to Williams Grand Prix Engineering.