Mercedes: Closer ties with Racing Point dependent on 2021 rules

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the German outfit will only consider a closer collaboration with Racing Point once it gets clarity on Formula 1's 2021 regulations.

Under the current technical agreement that governs the relationship between Mercedes and Racing Point, the Silverstone-based outfit receives its power unit, transmission and hydraulics from the manufacturer's Brixton facility.

But Mercedes has also agreed to provide access to its wind tunnel later this year to the pink squad.

Racing Point 'still getting out' of last year's troubles - Green

However, Wolff has stressed that Mercedes and Racing is not seeking to emulate the 'B-Team' business model so cleverly exploited by Haas and Ferrari, although Wolff is actually a supporter of the concept pioneered by the US outfit.

"We are not doing a Haas-Ferrari model because Haas was a new entry, a team created from scratch," Wolff said.

"These guys exist for a long time. I don’t see what’s so bad in a Haas-Ferrari model actually.

"We have enabled somebody that was keen to enter Formula 1 in setting up a team, with the cooperation with Ferrari it got out of the blocks really well, and fights solidly in the midfield.

"I think that’s good for Formula 1.

"Our model is very different. For the reasons stated before, Andy [Green] and his team know pretty well what they want to achieve with the car, they have a solid technical group of people and will go in that direction.

"They will be using some of our infrastructure and we will see where that moves for the 2021 regulations.

"Once these are carved out, we will decide which of the areas we want to collaborate and where it is possible, regulatory-wise."

Racing Point technical director Andy Green isn't dismissing the possibility of extending the team's ties with its engine supplier from 2021.

"We want to build our team to be the most efficient team based around those regulations and when those regulations are finalised we will have a clear idea of what we need to do."

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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.