Mercedes insist they're not leaving Formula 1
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted the German team will not be leaving Formula 1 in the near future, as the Silver Arrows are enjoying great economic success as well as sporting success on the track.
Since coming back to F1 as a team in 2010, Mercedes have enjoyed massive success in the V6 turbo hybrid era, winning five double championships in a row and currently seemingly on their way to the sixth as they lead Ferrari by 96 points already.
When asked by Crash.net about the team's immediate future and whether it lies in F1, Wolff, a shareholder in the team, was quite clear.
"We are not pulling out," the Austrian said.
“We had the discussion in the board because as a large corporation and a brand you need to choose ‘do you want to be in here for the long term and go through cycles’.
“There might be times that will be very difficult, like the early 2010s, and then there will be years that are great.
“Are we prepared as a brand to stick to Formula 1 long term and go through these cycles? Or on the other hand, is the environment changing and do we want to take the maximum success and then take a decision on whether to go or stay?
“I think that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. We are really enjoying it, it makes sense for us. Against all odds, the audiences are growing, even on TV. We've seen some races with strong live audiences.
“Today Formula 1 is really a great advertising window for Mercedes-Benz. Where the auto industry is heading in five years or eight years, I don't know. But as I can say now, feeling the pulse, it's something that we really enjoy.”
Wolff also responded to reports saying he was considering his future after 2020 within the team of Mercedes, potentially switching roles or stepping down.
“I am in a super situation,” the 47-year-old continued. “I am a shareholder on the team, I love to be with the people and the relationship matters to me.
“I am in a happy place and motivated every single day to do this. There is a while, some more years into my current contract, and I think with all the other discussions you are having with drivers for example, I think you need to be 100 percent with your head in your role, and this is what I am. I haven’t contemplated any change beyond 2020.”