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 in the course of the turbo hybrid period.
However along 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 efficient 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 needed 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 crew,” he defined.
“Throughout my time, I’ve seen it develop from a gaggle of individuals pulling collectively to win races, then a primary championship, to profitable a report 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 elementary assumptions about how we ship efficiency.
“Through the previous six months, I’ve loved creating the technical technique that we hope can present the foundations of the crew’s subsequent cycle of success.
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Mike Elliott, Expertise Director, Mercedes-AMG
“I’ve determined that now’s the suitable 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 search out my subsequent problem. I want to thank my team-mates for a implausible 12 seasons collectively and need 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 crew.
“Mike has been one of many pillars of the crew’s achievements over the previous decade, and it is with actually combined emotions that we are saying goodbye to him as we speak,” defined Wolff.
“Mike is a fiercely clever technical mind and an amazing team-player; he has made a powerful contribution not simply to profitable racing vehicles but additionally to constructing the tradition of our crew.
“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 suitable step for him to take, too.
“He leaves the crew as we speak with our thanks for the trouble, dedication, and experience he has dropped at the crew over the previous 11 years – and our highest needs for the long run.”