Mercedes “100% aligned” with Ferrari on F1’s future

Head of Mercedes-Benz Dieter Zetsche says the German manufacturer’s future vision for Formula 1 is “100% aligned” with rivals Ferrari despite it being less outspoken over the plans laid out by new owners Liberty Media.

Having enjoyed four years of total F1 dominance with a quadruple of consecutive World Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, Mercedes has been encouraged by the initial steps taken by F1 owners Liberty to improve the sport’s all-round attraction and engagement to fans.

Towards the end of 2017 Liberty unveiled its future plans regarding technical regulations, headed up by former Mercedes and Ferrari boss Ross Brawn, which were met by a backlash from Ferrari with the Italian manufacturer’s Chairman Sergio Marchionne threatening to pull out of the sport.

Mercedes also flagged up concerns about the plans, with particular focus around changes to standardising the existing power units, which could weaken its current dominance of F1 having produced the strongest power unit package in the V6 hybrid era.

Daimler AG Chairman and Mercedes boss Zetsche says he shares Ferrari’s thoughts and sees them as key allies ahead of negotiations on F1’s future regulations.

“We are the good cop and the bad cop,” Zetsche told Autocar. “We beat each other like crazy on the track and try to get every tenth of a second of advantage but at the same time we are 100% aligned on our thoughts in Formula 1 and our strategic actions in Formula 1. We are good friends.

“We are there to stay in Formula 1 but of course the platform itself has to stay meaningful and develop positively.”

Mercedes is targeting a fifth consecutive F1 World Constructors’ Championship in 2018 which would give the German manufacturer the outright second longest title stretch in the sport’s history by surpassing Red Bull’s four between 2010 and 2013 and McLaren’s four between 1988 and 1991.

Ferrari holds the longest consecutive F1 World Constructors' title run with six between 1999 and 2004.