How Wolff 'quietly plotted' for years to 'combine Formula E and Formula 1'

Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team competed in Formula E as a full works outfit from the 2019-20 season through to 2021-22, enjoying a highly successful spell that saw Nyck de Vries clinch the drivers’ title in 2021 while the team also secured the teams’ championship in the same year.

Stoffel Vandoorne was part of the line-up as well, going on to become world champion in 2022 during what ultimately proved to be Mercedes’ final season in the all-electric series, before the manufacturer decided to pull out at the end of that campaign and sell the team, which now races as Maserati MSG Racing.

Speaking to Marca, Agag explained that Wolff's intention was precisely to transfer the know-how gained in Formula E into Formula 1.

He said: "When Mercedes left here, it was because they wanted to take what existed in Formula E and bring it into Formula 1. The main force behind what we’re seeing in Formula 1 today is Mercedes and Toto Wolff.

Asked for his take on the four-time world champion’s comments, with Max Verstappen once again highly critical of the new regulations after the Chinese Grand Prix, the Mercedes CEO and team principal explained that the Dutchman is currently dealing with a car that is extremely difficult to drive, as also evident from his qualifying onboard.

However, he stressed that the situation is not the same across the grid, pointing out that from an entertainment standpoint the on-track battle between Ferrari and Mercedes delivered strong racing, with plenty of overtakes.

He also reflected on how Formula 1 has experienced eras with virtually no overtaking at all, suggesting that there is often a tendency to romanticise the past, while underlining that the current product remains solid, with competitive action also visible throughout the midfield.