| Age | 57 |
| Occupation | Technical Director |
| Company | Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Position Last Year | Down |
James Allison is the Technical Director of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team—one of the most respected minds in modern motorsport. His journey into F1 began with a simple, cheeky rationale: “It was a great alternative to growing up and getting a proper job.” That spirit has defined a remarkable career.
James entered the fast-paced world of Formula One in 1991, straight out of the University of Cambridge, joining the Benetton F1 Team as a Junior Aerodynamic Designer. Just two years later, he became Head of Aerodynamics at Larrousse. Although the small team faced financial struggles, his talent was clear, prompting a return to Benetton where he celebrated back-to-back championship wins with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995.
Promoted to Head of Aerodynamics in 1997, James soon moved to Ferrari in 1999 as a Trackside Aerodynamicist. There, he helped power one of F1’s greatest dynasties, as Ferrari dominated the sport with six Constructors’ Championships from 1999 to 2004.
In 2005, James returned to Enstone—now Renault—as Deputy Technical Director. The team clinched both titles in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso at the wheel. Promoted to Technical Director in 2009, James guided the team through its Lotus years, culminating in a celebrated win at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Kimi Räikkönen.
He rejoined Ferrari in 2013 as Technical Director. After a tough 2014, his leadership helped Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari bounce back with three wins in 2015. In 2017, he joined Mercedes, contributing to five Constructors’ titles and four Drivers’ Championships.
James’s passion for F1 runs deep: “I love the fight… the sense of shared purpose and belonging… It’s not a job—it’s a brilliant, exciting, challenging, and deeply fulfilling way of life.”
In 2021, he became Chief Technical Officer before returning as Technical Director in April 2023, continuing to shape the future of one of the sport’s most successful teams.