Mercedes Boss: F1 is Still Relevant

Despite recent success, Mercedes' continued participation in Formula One has been questioned by some in the paddock.

Head of Mercedez-Benz and Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, has reaffirmed Mercedes position in F1 stating that Formula One “is absolutely relevant and maybe more so today than ever”.

Rumours have existed for the past few seasons that sponsors could leave the team and pursue other sports such as Formula E which would lead to the eventual withdrawal of Mercedes-Benz from the sport.

This has also been magnified recently with Liberty Media's takeover of the sport, 'ruffling the feathers' of some of F1's top teams. The future of the sport and what direction it should take has been questioned by Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne, going as far as threatening to pull the Prancing Horse out of the sport and begin a new series in direct competition with Formula One.

A statement published on Zetsche's LinkedIn page seemingly clarifies the position of Mercedes in continuing their highly successful participation in Formula One in the future.

“Before this season kicks off is a good time for some reflection. People often ask me if Formula 1 is really still relevant. Isn’t it just a relic of the past given climate change, rising e-mobility and the self-driving future of mobility?

“From my perspective Formula 1 is absolutely relevant! And maybe more so today than ever.”

“That’s why Mercedes keeps investing in racing, and it’s why I personally can’t wait for the new season to take off. I wish all drivers a safe and fair competition. And to our drivers and the entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team: go for it, guys!”

Mercedes got off to a mixed start to the 2018 season with Lewis Hamilton taking pole position by some margin, but teammate Valtteri Bottas crashed heavily and is likely to start from the pitlane with a new gearbox.