Posted on July 28, 2016.
It has been rumoured for months but it has now been announced that the Scuderia’s technical director James Allison will be leaving the team. Here is an article written by Paul Weaver which was posted on The Guardian’s website:
The sudden availability of James Allison, one of the brightest engineering minds in Formula One, is likely to prompt a flurry of interest in the paddock.
However, Allison, who split from Ferrari on Wednesday, is unlikely to commit to a hectic schedule of global travel. Even before the death of his wife, Rebecca, through bacterial meningitis after the Australian Grand Prix in March, Allison had altered his role as the technical director at Ferrari in order to spend more time with his family; it is now thought he wants to be in Britain as much as possible in order to be close to his children.
McLaren are known to be long-term admirers and were anxious to sign him three years ago. There could be a return to his old team Renault, who have already employed him on three occasions. Williams, who have stalled after two years of heroic overachievement, would also be a good fit, especially as the team are in urgent need of fresh input with their aerodynamics.
Allison’s departure from Ferrari was agreed mutually but his position had been the centre of speculation for a number of weeks. It was even rumoured he would take full control of the team. He has been replaced by Mattia Binotto.
It has been a difficult season for the Scuderia, who were tipped to give Mercedes a stronger run for their money. The German team are romping at the head of the field again while Ferrari keep a nervous watch for Red Bull in their mirrors.
There have been poor strategy calls that arguably cost Sebastian Vettel victory in Melbourne and Montreal but also tyre and technical issues. Allison brought order and organisation but the team’s innate conservatism has persevered.
Allison had a long association with the most famous team in Formula One. He was heads of aero when Michael Schumacher ruled the world in the early years of this century. He then returned to Renault before rejoining Ferrari three years ago.
The Ferrari team principal, Maurizio Arrivabene, said: “The team would like to thank James for his commitment and sacrifice during the time spent together and wishes him success and serenity for his future endeavours.”
Allison said: “During the years I spent at Ferrari, at two different stages and covering different roles, I could get to know and appreciate the value of the team and of the people, women and men, which are part of it.
“I want to thank them all for the great professional and human experience we shared. I wish everybody a happy future with lots of success.”
Binotto will take on the role of chief technical officer after moving across from the engine department. He joined Ferrari in 1995 and became the chief operating officer of the power unit at the end of 2014 after a five-year spell as the head of engine and Kers.
