Could Mercedes Be Thinking of Extending Their Dominant Streak to Other Motorsports?

Mercedes may soon expand its motor racing identity according to Mercedes F1 Team Principal Toto Wolff.  Currently, Mercedes only competes in Formula One and Formula E as a team. However, with the recent approval of the new budget cap in F1, the Silver Arrows may have to cut down on cost and layoff employees or reintegrate them into other motorsports.

With Ferrari also faced with the task of redeploying their employees elsewhere, Ferrari is looking to enter IndyCar racing. Something similar is also in mind for Mercedes.

“Mercedes will look at other race car categories” – Wolff

The Mercedes F1 boss, Toto Wolff spoke to GP FANS. regarding the new budget cap rules, he said, “We are living in a financial reality that is very different to pre-COVID, and we have excepted the lower budget cap because it is a must that successful Formula 1 franchises actually earn money than lose money.”

Additionally, he said, “For us, it is also a way that Daimler not only appreciates the sporting and marketing benefits of the platform but also to make it as cost-neutral as possible. I believe this is why we just need to support such a cost cap.”

Furthermore, he said, “Who knows, maybe we will look at other race-car categories in order to keep the resource and keep the human resource and keep the intellectual property rights within Daimler, within Mercedes.”

Outside of Formula One, Mercedes had previously participated in other motorsports. In 1952 they participated in and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They were also the engine supplier for the very successful Penske IndyCar team in 1994. Mercedes had also taken part in the V8 supercars championship between 2013 to 2015. They have also participated in the Deutsche Torenwagen Masters and currently have a factory team in Formula E as well. So entering into another motorsports field won’t be an uncharted part for Mercedes.

However, for now, the attention of both the team and Toto Wolff will be on the upcoming F1 season. The Silver arrows will be targeting a seventh consecutive constructors’ championship.