Allison thanks Mercedes for their 'gamble' on a grieving man

FILE PHOTO: Nov 3, 2019; Austin, TX, USA; Mercedes designer James Allison is lifted up by Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton (left) and Valtteri Bottas (right) during the 2019 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Mercedes technical director James Allison spoke on Sunday of his gratitude to the Formula One world champions and team boss Toto Wolff for their 'gamble' on a grieving man four years ago.

The Briton said he had been "something of a wreck" after his wife Rebecca died suddenly of meningitis in March 2016 while he was working with Ferrari in Italy.