REBELS IN BIG BREAK
Mercedes boss Wolff warns split is on cards
LEWIS HAMILTON’S boss Toto Wolff has warned a breakaway championship to rival Formula One is in the pipeline.
Teams have begun talks over new contracts from the end of the 2020 season, when the current deal runs out.
Mercedes executive director Wolff is the first team boss to warn a rebel series could be on the cards, just days before new F1 season begins in Australia.
Ex-F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone claimed last month that fed-up Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne was backing a rival ® championship. The Italian team have threatened to quit if the sport’s owners don’t alter future plans over the redistribution of prize money, new engine plans and attempts to limit costs.
Now Wolff said: “The prospect of something else is realistic. And it could happen if we don’t align our view.
“Marchionne has a clear vision of what Formula One should represent for Ferrari, which is a purist sport that isn’t a shopping channel.
“I would encourage the sport’s stakeholders not to provoke him. I agree with most of the things Sergio says because Formula One has a certain DNA and needs to stick to its roots.
“Don’t mess with Sergio Marchionne. Formula One needs Ferrari much more than Ferrari needs Formula One.
Favourites
“I will give it everything to align the vision among us by seeking consensus and accepting compromise.”
The new season starts in Melbourne on Sunday. Wolff ’s Mercedes team will start as favourites to win a record-equalling fifth constructors’ championship.
After a strong showing in pre-season testing, defending champion Hamilton is out to become only the third driver to win the title more than four times.
Wolff said: “Lewis came back strong from the winter and in a good frame of mind.
“He’s looking forward to the season and he even enjoyed driving at the tests in Barcelona, so that was a novelty. The signs are positive.”
Hamilton could sign a new three-year deal worth £120m before the opener at Albert Park and Wolff added: “What makes people happy are key objectives.
“And Lewis is at a stage where he is settled in the team and well accepted.”