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BARCELONA, SPAIN – Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff looks on from the garage during day one of Formula 1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff looks on from the garage during day one of Formula 1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
The very future of traditional motorsports in recent times has come under a cloud.
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With environmental concerns at an all-time high, just how sustainable is F1 as a sport, at least in its current iteration?
Indeed, these questions have led the sport to adapt and change its style in the past, case in point being the introduction of the hybrid era. But is the sport going to go one step further and turn to fully electric?
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff does not think that it’s out of the question.
The FIA already has an all electric racing series, Formula E. However, its founder Alejandro Agag has suggested in the past that the two sports should fuse together as one as that is the best option for the future of F1.
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Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Mercedes’ George Russell leads and Valtteri Bottas is second placed after the start of the race Pool via REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Regarding the possibility of the fusion, Wolff said, “Both companies ultimately belong to the same man – John Malone. What has failed so far that both platforms are trying to position themselves in the best possible way.
“If one day synergies are possible, then you could drive together on a race weekend – for example on the street circuit. I think that’s a great thing, but it needs the approval of all stakeholders and that is – as we know – not easy in motorsport.”
The F1 purists may certainly not like this idea and it does seem a very drastic step to make F1 all electric. Nevertheless, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will have more important things to focus on at the moment
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SOCHI, RUSSIA: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W11 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Wolff has more pressing matters to attend at hand rather than worry about the long-term future of F1. His job this year will be to help his team secure an eighth straight Constructors’ championship.
It’ll be easier said than done because the Brackley-based outfit have had to face obstacles that they haven’t faced before. Nevertheless, with a seven-time world champion at the helm and a top class car, one would certainly not bet against them sealing another trophy.
Is there anyone who can deny the Silver Arrows from continuing their domination over the grid? We shall soon find out.
Also Read: Wolff Fearing a “Double Challenge” From Red Bull in Mercedes’ Quest for F1 Greatness
