The future of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team in Formula 1 is not guaranteed beyond 2020, according to Toto Wolff.
The German manufacturer made the decision to rejoin the sport back in 2009 and have taken both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in the past three seasons, but Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport insists that the team will only remain a part of Formula 1’s future should the sport develop in a positive manner.
With Liberty Media taking control of Formula 1 earlier this season, Wolff is hoping this is the positive move that helps stabilise the sport and propel it in the right direction.
“Mercedes decided in 2009 to compete not only as an engine supplier but also with its own team in Formula 1,” said Wolff to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We have committed ourselves until 2020, but what happens then is unclear. In my opinion, we will stay in Formula 1 if the sport develops in a positive way.”
Mercedes have fifty-three race victories since their return, and have won every title since the 1.6-litre V6 Hybrid formula was introduced in 2014, and the team will go to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix seeking a nineteenth victory of 2016. Nico Rosberg leads team-mate Lewis Hamilton by just twelve points as he bids for his first Drivers’ title.
