Mercedes in F1 "long-term" if Daimler input reduces
Mercedes will be in Formula 1 “for the long-term” if it is able to reduce the contribution from parent company Daimler, according to team principal Toto Wolff.

Earlier this year Mercedes’ accounts, documenting its 2018 spend, revealed a net contribution from Daimler of less than £40m, with F1 prize money and sponsorship fronting the majority of its budget.
Mercedes has shown no signs of wishing to withdraw from F1 after next season, despite speculation occasionally linking it with an exit from the world championship before the next set of regulations come in.
Senior Daimler personnel were present for the season finale in Abu Dhabi last weekend, with board member Britta Seeger receiving the winning constructors’ trophy on the podium.
Wolff believes the value Mercedes gets from its all-conquering F1 programme, which has won the last six drivers’ and constructors’ titles, is a major factor in its chances to continue, but stopped short of saying there had been any assurances about the team’s future.
“I am the one that is responsible for the motor racing activities,” said Wolff. “But I'm also the first one to acknowledge that times within the auto industry are changing, and that all activities need to be looked at.
“Formula 1 and motor racing generally is an activity that we believe is part of our core DNA. The first-ever Mercedes was a race car.
“I think we need to become more efficient. We need to provide a solid business case. We need to reduce the contribution from Daimler into our exercise, and if we're able to achieve that, then we're in Formula 1 for the long term.”
The Mercedes works F1 team was revived in 2010, 55 years after its initial entry, but it took until 2012 for it to win again.
Mercedes finished second in the constructors’ championship in 2013 but its major step came one year later, as it nailed the switch to V6 turbo-hybrid engines and began a period of unprecedented domination.
It has now won 12 titles and 93 races, scored more than 100 pole positions, and racked up almost 200 podiums since 2010.
“F1 represents one of the best return on investments within the whole Daimler group,” said Wolff. “We're generating more than a billion in return. And at the end, it's all about the brand.
"I think what we're doing is great entertainment, but it's also technology. It's the most efficient hybrid engines and giving the brand a sporting image.
“Since we've started on our successful journey in 2014, we have been a part of shaping a different brand image of Mercedes.
“Of course the road cars and the style and the technology are the most relevant part, but I think us winning Formula 1 grands prix has added our small contribution to change the way the brand is being perceived.
“And this is why the board members are here, it is a positive exercise it's something that Daimler actually benefits from.”

Previous article
Autosport Awards: Norris voted British Competition Driver
Next article
Renault "exasperated" by rivals voting to keep "stupid" Q2 rule

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Teams | Mercedes |
Author | Scott Mitchell |
Mercedes in F1 "long-term" if Daimler input reduces
Trending
The updates Williams hopes will lead to a point-scoring return
After producing a car which demonstrated progress but lacked the points to prove it last year, Williams starts its new era of team ownership with the FW43B, its bid to continue the climb up the Formula 1 grid in 2021
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end