Toto Wolff has warned authorities not to “provoke” Ferrari in the scheduled negotiation among parties.
Negotiation over new rules for the Formula 1 Sport had been threatened by Ferrari President, Sergio Marchionne, who has got support from Mercedes recently.
Ferrari’s president had taken a hard line on the changes in rules over the years and threatened to leave the sport if changes contradict their strategic objectives.
Mercedes Formula 1 boss said, “Marchionne has a clear vision of what F1 should represent for Ferrari, which is a purist sport that isn’t a shopping channel.
“I would strongly encourage the sport’s stakeholders not to provoke him.”
The negotiation over new contract terms and conditions will start soon, as the old understanding among parties will hold-up to 2020, after which parties reserve the right to choose their future course of action independently.
The negotiation among parties is expected to intensify. The matters under consideration will mainly contain monetary resources distribution, engine regulations and cost capping, which are expected to be intensifiers.
Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault has showed serious concerns over the new engine rules proposed by Liberty Media and FIA.
Wolff had been on the same page with Ferrari over many political issues related to the sport.
He said: “I agree with most of the things Sergio says because F1 has a certain DNA and it is a sport that needs to stick to its roots.
“So, don’t mess with Sergio Marchionne. F1 needs Ferrari much more than Ferrari needs F1.
“I will give it everything to align the vision among us by seeking consensus and accepting compromise.”
Wolff has also intimidated that Mercedes will re-evaluate its post 2020 options and then will be able to reach a concluding remark about F1 and Mercedes’ future.
“The prospect of doing something else is a realistic one, and it could happen if we don’t achieve to align our vision,” he said.
Mercedes is in quest of winning consecutive five double titles. Simultaneously, the team is in negotiation with their Lewis Hamilton to keep him on the team as his contract is due.
“Lewis came back strong from the winter and in a good frame of mind,” Wolff said.
“He is looking forward to the start of the season and he even enjoyed driving at the tests in Barcelona, so that was a novelty. For me, all the signs are positive.”
