Former Mercedes Technical Chief Mike Elliott Joins Alpine F1
Alpine has recruited former Mercedes technical chief Mike Elliott as its new Chief Technical Officer, strengthening the Formula 1 team's engineering leadership as it tries to close the gap to the championship's leading teams.
Elliott will start work at Enstone next week, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The appointment also marks a return to a factory where he previously worked during the Renault era.
Mike Elliott returns to Enstone
Alpine confirmed on September 17 that Elliott will lead and oversee the technical and engineering functions at its Enstone headquarters.
The British engineer previously worked there as Principal Aerodynamicist between 2008 and 2012. Before that, he began his Formula 1 career at McLaren in 2000.
Elliott spent more than a decade at Mercedes
Elliott joined Mercedes in 2012 and later served as Head of Aerodynamics, Technology Director and Technical Director. In 2023 he became Chief Technical Officer before leaving the team later that year.
During his time with Mercedes, Elliott contributed to an era in which the team won eight Constructors' Championships and its drivers secured eight Drivers' Championships.
Alpine wants to close the gap to the top four
Alpine says the appointment is intended to strengthen its technical capabilities following improved performances during the 2026 season. Elliott will oversee the broader engineering operation rather than focusing on a single area such as aerodynamics.
The move adds another experienced figure to Alpine's technical structure as Formula 1 teams continue adapting to the major regulations introduced for 2026. Elliott's first weeks in the role will therefore begin while development of the current car and planning for future seasons are both underway.
