Wolff: 'Nightmare' Brexit could wreak havoc on F1 - benefit Ferrari

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes a no-deal Brexit could severely disrupt Formula 1 and play right into the hands of Ferrari.

With no agreeable terms on the table to manage its exit from the European Union, Britain's economy could be set for a very painful period of uncertainty from the end of March.

As collateral damage, Formula 1 teams based in the UK - such as Mercedes - could be facing major disruptions that could impact their operations.

"Brexit is a major concern for us and should be a major concern for all of us that live in the UK and operate out of the UK," Wolff told the media in Barcelona on Monday.

"We are Formula 1 teams that travel to races and tests at least 21 times a year.

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"We are moving in and out of the UK, our people move in and out of the UK, the way we are getting parts and services is just-in-time at the last minute into the UK and any major disruption in borders or with taxes would massively damage the Formula One industry in the UK.

"We are looking at the various scenarios with Mercedes-Benz UK because it not only impacts Formula 1 but it impacts also the mother brand in terms of getting cars and parts in and out of the country," Wolff told the media in Barcelona on Monday.

"But I can see very much that if a no-deal Brexit would happen, like it's being discussed, I think we would have a major impact in terms of our operation going to the races and getting our cars developed and ready.

"So that is a nightmare scenario that I don’t want to even envisage."

According to Wolff, that state of affairs, should it come to pass, would hand a massive advantage to teams based in Europe, namely Ferrari, Alfa Romeo/Sauber and Toro Rosso, although the later would still need to contend with border issues that would involve Honda, its engine supplier.

"Our team is an international team," he added.

"We are German car brand that has its own Formula 1 operations in the United Kingdom we have many different nationalities.

"And there is uncertainty at the moment of whether the industry is going to be impacted by a no-deal Brexit or a Brexit that is damaging to what for me is one of the outstanding industries in the United Kingdom. And we’ve said that before. The mother of all messes."

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