Allison signs a new long-term contract with Mercedes

However, Allison will oversee the next major technical shakeup Formula 1 will undergo in 2026 with new power units and new F1 cars planned.

The announcement of Allison's contract extension comes day after team boss Toto Wolff announced a three-year deal that will see him remain in the Mercedes hot seat.

Allison has been brought back into the hands-on Technical Director role early in 2023 after being in the behind the scenes in the Chief Technical Officer role, replacing Mike Elliott. The switch was done after Elliott failed to deliver a decent F1 car for the eight-time Constructors' Champions in 2022 and 2023. Elliott briefly held the CTO role before leaving Brackley altogether.

Allison is being tasked with returning Mercedes to a competitive position in the sport, and his first test will be in 2024, as he has overseen the new Mercedes F1 car, the W15 that will be revealed on February 14, 2024.

Mercedes said in a team statement: "James Allison has signed a long-term contract extension to remain as Technical Director, the team can confirm. The news reinforces the technical leadership of the team during a period of renewal ahead of the major rule changes for 2026.

"James joined the team in 2017 as Technical Director, overseeing a prolonged period of success culminating in four Drivers' title and five consecutive Constructors' Championships. After a stint as Chief Technical Officer, responsible for longer term strategy and the INEOS Britannia America's Cup project, the 55-year-old returned to a more frontline role as Technical Director in April last year," the statement added.

Allison commented: "F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto's call to join Mercedes in 2017.

"It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success," he concluded.

Wolff added: "I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team. Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport.

"His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none. His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that.

"Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally. We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the 'tough love' culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best. Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too.

"It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come," Wolff concluded.