Mercedes-Aston Martin Tie-up Independent of F1 Interests for the “Time Being”: Wolff

It was recently revealed that Mercedes were interested in increasing their shareholdings in Aston Martin up to a reported 20%. Thereon, there was also a sense of curiosity of whether that would also see a knowledge transfer between the two companies’ F1 teams.

Mercedes Team Principal and stakeholder Toto Wolff has moved to respond to such speculations and developments. He declared that from an F1 perspective, nothing was going to change.

Wolff was quoted as saying, “No, not for the time being. The Formula 1 team, the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, is completely independent from Aston Martin cars.

“Obviously the shareholding in Daimler is something that was decided purely based on the merit of the auto companies and not the racing side. From my standpoint, nothing changes,” concluded Wolff on the matter.

Mercedes’ existing relationship with Racing Point likely to continue

If Aston Martin had any hopes of learning the hybrid technology that the defending champions use, then it would probably be kept on standby.

Currently known as Racing Point, they will take the British maker’s name as part of a rebranding campaign from 2021.

As it stands, the only relationship between the two companies’ F1 programmes is the engine supplier deal. Racing Point are one of Mercedes’ 3 customer teams on the grid, with McLaren due next year and Williams a long-standing client.

Considering how Racing Point have enjoyed a marked improvement in performance, they are likely to continue with Mercedes’ engines. There were, however, brief speculations of whether Aston Martin would develop their own engines.

How have both the F1 teams fared this season in 2020?

Mercedes had long been hot favorites for winning both titles in the current F1 season. They have justified the tag and only last weekend sealed their Constructors’ title in Imola.

The Turkish GP on November 15th could represent yet another joyous moment for Mercedes. As Lewis Hamilton will aim to pick up a 7th Drivers’ Championship should he win the race.

On the other hand, Racing Point have surprised everybody this season. Currently P5 in the standings, they are barely one point away from Renault and McLaren from the third position.

Their chances for the new season will only strengthen, with a 4-time World Champion in Sebastian Vettel taking Sergio Perez’s spot on the team. And Aston Martin will hope he can challenge Mercedes with renewed machinery.