Why Mercedes Will Leave F1 Before 2021
Discussion
I reckon Mercedes will leave F1 at the end of 2020 but continue in the sport as an engine supplier.
Having had so much success it would be sensible to quit while they’re at the top. The only way for them from here is down. To remain competitive from 2021 they’d have to spend massively in 2020 before the cost cap comes in. The current senior management don’t appear to be as keen on F1 as the previous team were. Having gained a lot of great publicity from their success over the last few years there’s a risk that it won’t continue under the new regulations and that reputation could be tarnished.
By remaining in the sport as an engine supplier to McLaren they are partnered with a major team so a good showcase for the engine side. Engine development costs will be relatively small compared to developing a whole car and supplying engines to three teams will recoup much of those costs anyway.
It’s also interesting to consider Mercedes entry into Formula E. They probably feel that this is more relevant to the road car business as the move to EVs appears to be gaining pace. They could use 2020 for development and then try and tempt Toto and Lewis into the Formula E team from 2021.
Just a thought.
Having had so much success it would be sensible to quit while they’re at the top. The only way for them from here is down. To remain competitive from 2021 they’d have to spend massively in 2020 before the cost cap comes in. The current senior management don’t appear to be as keen on F1 as the previous team were. Having gained a lot of great publicity from their success over the last few years there’s a risk that it won’t continue under the new regulations and that reputation could be tarnished.
By remaining in the sport as an engine supplier to McLaren they are partnered with a major team so a good showcase for the engine side. Engine development costs will be relatively small compared to developing a whole car and supplying engines to three teams will recoup much of those costs anyway.
It’s also interesting to consider Mercedes entry into Formula E. They probably feel that this is more relevant to the road car business as the move to EVs appears to be gaining pace. They could use 2020 for development and then try and tempt Toto and Lewis into the Formula E team from 2021.
Just a thought.
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