‘Autocar’ Formula 1 Rumor: Mercedes Withdraws After 2020 Season
Other than Ferrari exiting Formula 1, this is the biggest shakeup ever for the sport—if true.
News doesn’t get much bigger than this: that is, if it’s true. AutoCar reports through several good sources that in an upcoming Mercedes board meeting, the German company will discuss its future involvement in Formula 1. AutoCar continues: “This comes as Mercedes fights to stem disappointing financial results, redirect research and development investment to road car technologies and alleviate pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.”
It’s really a stunning development. However, Mercedes has done the same type of high level withdraw when they pulled involvement from the DTM racing series in 2018.
A few things in particular make this speculation interesting to consider. Working with AutoCar on this report, RaceFans.net have pointed out that Mercedes’ own contract in F1 is set to expire at the end of the 2020 season. As well, the board meeting is set to take place on February 12. That’s well ahead of a 9 months notice to F1 shareholders to announce a withdraw from the sport. Mercedes would keep a presence in F1, even if the Mercedes team were to change. They have contracts to supply engines to a number of teams through the next several years.
Also ramping up rumors are the actions of Lawrence Stroll. Stroll, current owner of Racing Point F1 team, has made moves to buy Aston Martin as a whole. If Mercedes were to exit the sport and his deal with Aston Martin comes together, he’d likely turn the Mercedes team into a works Aston Martin F1 team. Road & Track reports the collateral from a move like that could be deep. Current Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has a financial stake in the team. Stroll might even go as far as buying out Wolff’s stake in Mercedes F1, and co-sharing ownership of the Aston Martin team. Another rumor indicates Wolff might be offered a development position with Aston Martin road cars. Driver Lewis Hamilton might not be comfortable with a full upheaval of the team which provided him nearly all of his World Championships. It has often been rumored that he might wear Ferrari red before he retires.
Again, this is all just rumor and speculation. But according to the board meeting in a few weeks time, we might see one of the biggest shakeups in Formula 1 in recent history.
Photos: AutoCar
