Alpine has announced the appointment of Mike Elliott as their new Chief Technical Officer, marking his return to Formula 1® after a brief departure from the sport. Elliott brings a wealth of experience accumulated over more than two decades in the paddock, having held significant technical roles at several leading teams.
Mike Elliott's career in Formula 1® began in 2000 at McLaren, where he started as an aerodynamicist. He later moved to Renault, working there from 2008 to 2012, before joining Mercedes. During his time at Mercedes, Elliott held various senior positions, including Head of Aerodynamics, Technology Director between 2017 and 2021, Technical Director from 2021 to 2023, and briefly Chief Technical Officer in 2023. He left Mercedes six months after taking on the CTO role.
At Alpine, Elliott will be responsible for overseeing the technical and engineering functions at the Enstone factory. The team highlighted his involvement in eight Constructors' and eight Drivers' Championships throughout his career, emphasizing the depth of knowledge and expertise he brings. His arrival is seen as a strategic move to bolster Alpine’s technical capabilities as they continue to develop their car and aim to close the gap to the leading teams in the championship.
Elliott’s return to Formula 1® with Alpine comes after his departure from Mercedes in late 2023. His extensive background in aerodynamics and technical leadership roles positions him well to contribute to Alpine’s ongoing efforts to improve performance. The Enstone-based team has been working to build on recent progress and aims to challenge the established top four teams in the sport.
While specific details about Elliott’s plans or technical strategies at Alpine have not been disclosed, his appointment reflects the team’s commitment to strengthening their technical leadership. Given his track record at Mercedes and Renault, Elliott’s expertise is expected to support Alpine’s ambitions in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1®.
This move also underscores the dynamic nature of technical personnel within Formula 1®, where experienced engineers and directors often move between teams, bringing fresh perspectives and knowledge. Elliott’s history with multiple teams provides him with a broad understanding of the sport’s technical demands and development processes.
Alpine’s announcement on September 17, 2026, confirms their focus on enhancing their technical operations as they seek to improve their standing in the Constructors' Championship. Elliott’s role as Chief Technical Officer will be central to these efforts, overseeing the engineering and technical departments at the team’s base.
Mike Elliott’s appointment is a notable development for Alpine as they continue to invest in their technical infrastructure. His experience across several successful Formula 1® teams is expected to contribute to the team’s progress in the coming seasons.