SEND US A TIP
0

Will Mercedes Leave Formula One Too After DTM Exit?

Giancarlo Perlas July 27, 2017

Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium. Friday 21 August 2015. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid. World Copyright: Steve Etherington/LAT Photographic ref: Digital Image SNE20035

The exit of Mercedes-AMG from Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in order to focus on its entry to Formula E definitely came as a big blow to the organization and fans of the sport. The departure of Mercedes would only leave DTM with two constructors going to the 2019 season. Now, there is also a growing concern about the position of the team with Formula One.

According to Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff in his interview with BBC, the entry of the German automaker in Formula E will not impact the participation of the company with F1. He explained that the two are complementary and not competitive.

Wolff explained that their involvement in motorsport allows them to explore innovations for their production cars. The combination of F1 and Formula E lets them to do just that.

It should be noted that the technology used by the performance cars of Mercedes over the years was derived from the ones carried by their race cars. The latest car to benefit from the F1 technology transfer is the planned hypercar of AMG.

Wolff likened Formula E to an “exciting start-up venture”. Of course, the lessons they will learn in the sport would aid them heavily in their entry into the premium electric car market. However, he reminded everyone that the organization does not have the same global exposure that F1 has. Compared to F1, the audiences of Formula E remain is small.

The motorsport boss of Mercedes said they have a long term commitment with F1. He is looking forward to extending the run of the company in the sport even in post-2020 when their current contract with them expires.

About Author

Giancarlo Perlas

Giancarlo is an economist by profession with a career spanning nearly two decades. His professional journey has seen him assume vital roles in various government and private organizations. Alongside his civic and corporate pursuits is his love for cars, particularly those made by Mercedes-Benz. In 2012, he found himself with like-minded individuals within BenzInsider. From then on, he used the platform as a way to share his passion with the automotive community. Follow his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/benzinsider, X (formerly Twitter) @giancarloperlas, and IG @benzinsider. View all posts by Giancarlo Perlas →

Leave a Comment

Login to your account

Can't remember your Password ?

Register for this site!