Mercedes signs James Allison as technical director

Allison was formerly technical director at Ferrari. He left the team in July following the death of his wife, to spend more time taking care of his young family at home in the UK.

Allison's new post will mean he will be working at Mercedes' headquarters in Brackley, situated 70 miles northwest of London.

“I am very excited to be getting back to work after this time away from the sport," said Allison.

"It’s a massive privilege to be given the trust of a position in a team that has done so spectacularly well in the past three seasons.

"I am really looking forward to playing my part in helping Mercedes go from strength to strength in the coming years."

The role of technical director has been specially created for Allison. He will report directly to the team's boss, Toto Wolff.

"I am delighted to welcome James to Mercedes and very much looking forward to working with him," said Wolff.

"Our technical team is extremely skilled at every level and at the top of its game after delivering three world championships in a row.

"It wasn’t an easy task to find the right personality who can strengthen our experienced group of engineers, give our talented young team members the space to develop and also bring his own vision to this role.

"James is a sharp engineer; I think we have found the perfect guy and the right fit with our senior leaders."

Allison began his Formula One career at the aerodynamics department of Benetton. He was eventually made head of aerodynamics a the team and subsequently technical director when the team was renamed first Renault and then Lotus F1, before moving to Ferrari in 2-13.