Mercedes technical director James Allison has signed a long-term contract extension to help the team return to the top of Formula One.

Mercedes announced the pact on Thursday, but did not specify how long the new relationship will last. Earlier this week, team president Toto Wolff, who is also friends with Allison, secured a new three-year contract.

Allison, 55, joined Mercedes in 2017 at the height of the team’s long-running success. Allison’s technical knowledge assisted star driver Lewis Hamilton in winning consecutive Formula One titles from 2017 to 2020, bringing his total to seven.

“It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success,” Allison said in a statement.

Mercedes also won the constructors’ championship from 2017 to 2021 until Red Bull took over as F1’s top team, with Max Verstappen dominating the previous two seasons.

Mercedes failed to win a race last year and won only one in 2022 through George Russell, while Hamilton’s last of 103 wins occurred in Saudi Arabia during the penultimate race of the 2021 season.

Mercedes admitted to getting its car design absolutely wrong in 2022, when it suffered more than most other cars from bouncing, also known as porpoising, while 2023 proved to be equally frustrating for Hamilton and Russell.

But Wolff believes Allison can help the squad contend for victories again.

“Simply said, he is the most astounding technical leader in our sport. His gladiator mentality, along with his education, experience, and dedication, puts him second to none,” Wolff added. “His influence and impact, however, extend well beyond that. Since joining in 2017, he has been a valuable ally and sparring partner for me. “We can challenge each other openly and honestly.”

While Mercedes has expressed optimism about the 2024 season – the W15 will be presented digitally from Silverstone on February 14 – the team will know how much work needs to be done when pre-season testing begins in Bahrain on February 21.

On March 2, Bahrain will host the first of a record 24 races, with Verstappen aiming for a fourth F1 title in a row.