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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and F1 star George Russell have both talked up Mike Elliott’s outstanding ‘intelligence’, with the outgoing chief technical officer (CTO) calling time on his stint with the team ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Elliott played a significant role in a hugely successful period for the Silver Arrows, even though performances have dipped over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n
The 49-year-old joined Mercedes as an aerodynamicist in 2012, working his way through the ranks before becoming CTO back in April. Two years after Elliott’s arrival, Wolff and co won their first of eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.<\/p>\n
A social media statement released on Tuesday evening confirmed that Elliott would leave the team with immediate effect and embark on a spell of gardening leave. Above all else, old and new comments from Russell and Wolff make clear the brilliant mind Mercedes are losing.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Sky Sports back in April, shortly after Elliott took up the role of CTO by swapping positions with James Allison, Russell said: “Mike is one of, if not the most, intelligent blokes I’ve ever come across in my life.<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive F1 news.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Hamilton’s ‘psychological’ ploy as Mercedes star gives insight into mind games<\/strong><\/p>\n “But I think placing him in this new role will really put him in his element. When it comes to a team sport, it’s not just drivers, we’re managing, well Toto’s managing 2,000 people.<\/p>\n “Or if you talk about a football team you need to get your best players in the right positions to get the overall team result and effectively that’s what this change has been.”<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/5042720.jpg?r=1698785758022\")
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