'Tragic' Brexit like a Monty Python skit - Wolff

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the antics of the British government on Brexit offer good entertainment value, but also a very worrying prospect.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has lost two consecutive rounds of government votes on her proposed Brexit deal, while a no-deal exit was also rejected leaving lawmakers to request a delay to the Brexit process with the European Union.

Wolff recently denounced the Brexit negotiations for the uncertainty an exit will inevitably cast on Mercedes' activities and trade in the UK and the fate that threatens many of its employees and workers in Brackley and at Brixworth.

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Watching from afar, Wolff says the situation has evolved into a tragicomic state of affairs.

"For some time, I found it really tragic but that tragic has somehow changed to really good entertainment," Wolff said.

"It’s better than the Netflix thing [F1’s Drive to Survive], actually!

"Every evening I watched BBC.com and what they showed from the House of Commons and you’re not quite sure whether it’s Monty Python or whether it’s really happening.

"I will get in trouble there. I shouldn’t talk about politics. But for us, we have 26 nations in our company and it is a matter of concern.

"We are living from the just-in-time principle of getting goods in and goods and people out and if this were to be disrupted that would be a problem but I don’t think that can happen."

With the majority of F1 teams based in the UK, Brexit is an obvious concern, dominated by the lack of clarity associated with the finality of the process.

"Formula 1 is the silicon valley of the UK but there are many larger industries, the automotive industry, would be massively impacted if there would be the so-called no deal – I don’t know what no deal would actually mean," he said.

"But I think at a certain stage, common sense needs prevail. I would hope so."

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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.