'Wolff uses Aston Martin as threat, but wants to stay with Mercedes'

Mercedes was the only one last week that voted against Liberty Media's plan for 'reversed grid' sprint races, thus blocking their introduction. It eventually led to a discussion in the press between Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and sports director of Liberty Media Ross Brawn. However, Dutch reporter Jack Plooij does not believe that Wolff really believes his views.

Wolff defended Mercedes' decision by stating that fans are not at all waiting for artificial ways to make Formula 1 more exciting or interesting. Several studies would show that, and if you include the last major surveys of 2015, that statement is also correct.

But does Wolff himself believe in what he says? Jack Plooij doesn't think so. To Motorsport.com the reporter of Ziggo suggests that the team boss of Mercedes is simply sent from above. At Daimler's head office they apparently didn't like to start every race from the back, but Wolff would like that.

Wolff plays political games

"Now, for God's sake, let's try something in this day and age, man, that reversed grid plan seems beautiful to me, too. And believe me, Toto secretly thinks that as well," says Plooij, adding that things aren't great between Wolff and Daimler's new CEO. "That's a Dane and a bit of a tough guy."

Yet Plooij doesn't think the Austrian wants to leave Mercedes. A move to Aston Martin would only be a threat. "I don't think it's a way out, but a way to get what he wants. I think he wants to stay with Mercedes, but for that he has to stay in Formula 1".