How Two Former Ferrari F1 Engineers Drive Success at Mercedes

James Allison and Simone Resta have found themselves working together again at Mercedes after both previously spent significant time at Ferrari. Resta, who had just returned to Maranello from Haas before heading to the UK, took up the role of strategic development director with Mercedes last October.

His title soon changed to deputy technical director, putting him directly under Allison. They first joined forces at Ferrari two decades ago, when Allison worked as a trackside aerodynamicist and Resta was involved in the mechanical department.

Their partnership at Mercedes involves a clear division of responsibilities. Allison leads the technical group with a focus on the long-range 2026 Formula 1 car project.

Resta concentrates on development for the upcoming 2025 season and also manages areas that prepare the team for future challenges. This approach allows Mercedes to cover both immediate goals and the bigger picture, especially as Formula 1 faces major technical changes over the next few years.

Resta’s arrival at Mercedes occurred as the team negotiated the moves of key personnel between rival teams. When Ferrari recruited Mercedes’ performance director Loic Serra, both organizations worked out when each engineer could officially start their new roles.

This agreement let Resta begin at Mercedes earlier than first planned, while Serra transitioned to Ferrari around the same time. Both engineers bring a depth of experience from their years at Ferrari.

Resta, having started as a junior designer, moved up through the ranks and led key design departments. Allison spent time as technical director at Ferrari before moving back to Enstone and then joining Mercedes.

The technical skills developed during their years in Maranello shaped their methods and cemented strong professional respect for each other. At Mercedes, Resta places emphasis on developing the car’s core structure and introducing new technologies to the team.

Allison continues to oversee the broader design and aerodynamic direction. Their partnership relies on clear communication and a deliberate sharing of tasks.

This mutual understanding stems from their previous collaborations and shared background at Ferrari, making them effective at coordinating complex projects. Resta praised Allison’s leadership, describing him as a highly skilled technician and a person he is honored to work alongside.

He noted that their shared experiences lead to an efficient workflow within a large and competitive organization like Mercedes. Allison’s confidence in Resta’s abilities has also been central to their renewed partnership, as both men focus on guiding the team through upcoming seasons.

With Formula 1 set to introduce new regulations in 2026, Mercedes is already balancing development priorities across multiple years. The teamwork between Allison and Resta gives the Silver Arrows a strong advantage as they plan ahead.

Their combined expertise, shaped by years at Ferrari and now at Mercedes, is seen as vital to maintaining the team’s competitive edge in a sport where drivers like Lewis Hamilton continue to push the limits on the track.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.