Mercedes considering closer technical ties with Force India

40

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits the manufacturer is considering a collaboration with Force India in the future, a potential move however that has sparked concerns from both Renault and McLaren.

As Force India's engine supplier, Mercedes already enjoys a tie-up with the Silverstone-based outfit, but increased cooperation would move the pair towards a form of technical partnership similar to the one that governs the relationship between Ferrari and Haas.

"Obviously a few years ago when Ferrari spotted the potential in collaborating closely with another team, it triggered a thought process with everybody else," Wolff told Motorsport.com.

"And only Ferrari will know how much benefit they have generated, but there is benefit in such a cooperation if it is structured well.

"No team wants to be a B-team, no team wants to be a junior team. Everybody wants their own success, and this is something you need to honour and respect in F1.

Wolff determined to secure 'short-term' solution for Ocon

"I think if you can meet on eye level, a collaboration makes sense. But making it happen is not trivial.

"All of us are structured, all of us have processes in place that make sense, and evaluating potential opportunities is something which we will clearly do."

The emerging collaborative concept between a manufacturer and another team is seen as a sensitive matter by several rival outfits who fear that Mercedes could yield excess technical and political power.

Wolff says he understands the concerns mainly expressed by Renault and McLaren, and suggests a proper regulatory structure to govern collaborative efforts in the future.

"I absolutely understand it. It’s interesting that the administration of Force India triggered these strong sentiments. Collaboration existed before between Ferrari and Haas, and then Sauber joined the closed party. And on the other side Toro Rosso and Red Bull have existed forever," explained Wolff.

"But I completely understand the worries of McLaren and Renault on the other side.

"I think it’s just a matter of the right regulations in place to facilitate collaboration where you can save costs, and where you can find synergies – but maintaining the spirit of the F1 regulations, that this is a constructors’ championship, and should also stay one."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.