Technical director James Allison leaves Ferrari

Ferrari have confirmed that their technical chief, James Allison, has left the team with immediate effect. Mattia Binotto, formerly the team’s head of engines, will replace Allison and assume the position of chief technical officer.

Allison’s wife passed away in March and his departure from Maranello has been widely expected in order for him to spend more time with his family in England.

“The team would like to thank James for his commitment and sacrifice during the time spent together, and wishes him success and serenity for his future endeavors,” team boss Maurizio Arrivabene said.

Allison has worked for Ferrari in two separate stints and rejoined the Scuderia from Lotus three years ago.

“During the years I spent at Ferrari, at two different stages and covering different roles, I could get to know and appreciate the value of the team and of the people, women and men, which are part of it,” said Allison. “I want to thank them all for the great professional and human experience we shared. I wish everybody a happy future with lots of success.”

Ferrari, without a win this year and approaching a full decade without a world championship success, are currently just one point ahead of Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship after a lacklustre start to the 2016 season.  Allison has already been linked with a move back to Renault – the Lotus outfit prior to Renault’s takeover late last year – while Ferrari are believed to be interested in recruiting James Key, Toro Rosso’s highly-rated technical chief.