Mike Elliott, the person who oversaw the ‘zero sidepod’ automotive idea Mercedes ditched in the beginning of this Components One season, has left the staff.

Mercedes unveiled a radically totally different automotive to its rivals when the foundations modified coming into 2022, a season which ended a run of eight straight championships.

The staff caught with the idea this yr, however Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed after the primary qualifying session of 2023 it was already trying to go in a special course.

Earlier this yr Elliott, then technical director, swapped jobs with chief technical officer James Allison.

Mercedes stated on the time the job swap was Elliott “proudly owning the method,” relatively than a direct response to the unsuccessful design.

On Tuesday it was confirmed Elliott has left the staff for good after 23 years.

Wolff paid tribute to his legacy on the staff.

“Mike has been one of many pillars of the staff’s achievements over the previous decade,” Wolff stated. “And it is with actually blended emotions that we are saying goodbye to him right now. Mike is a fiercely clever technical mind and an important team-player; he has made a powerful contribution not simply to successful racing vehicles but in addition to constructing the tradition of our staff.

“However on the opposite aspect, it is clear that he is prepared for brand spanking new adventures past Mercedes – so I do know that is the precise step for him to take, too. He leaves the staff right now with our thanks for the trouble, dedication, and experience he has dropped at the staff over the previous 11 years – and our perfect needs for the long run.”

Mercedes didn’t verify Elliott’s subsequent step, saying he has determined to take a break from the game within the coming month.