Alpine Recruits Former Mercedes Technical Chief Mike Elliott

The Alpine Formula 1 team has bolstered its technical staff with the appointment of former Mercedes Technical Director, Mike Elliott, as its new Chief Technical Officer.

Alpine announced on Thursday that Elliott will “oversee technical and engineering operations at the team’s Enstone factory.” The Chief Technical Officer position is a newly created role within the team’s structure.

For the 52-year-old Briton, this marks a return to Enstone, where he previously served as Head of Aerodynamics during the team’s time as Renault and later Lotus.

Following that period, Elliott moved to Mercedes as Head of Aerodynamics and played a significant role in the team's strong start under the new regulations introduced in 2014.

He subsequently rose to the positions of Technical Director and Chief Technical Officer, but was later succeeded by James Allison, and Elliott departed the Brackley-based team in 2023.

It is understood that current Executive Technical Director David Sanchez will report directly to Elliott, who will assume overall oversight of the technical domain within the organization.

After sacrificing last year, Alpine has begun its preparations for the new 2026 regulations with vigor and is currently battling Racing Bulls for fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. The 2026 season will be Alpine's first as a Mercedes customer team.