Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Wolff happy with FIA clarification over Ferrari and Haas

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Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team boss Toto Wolff has declared himself satisfied with the FIA's clarification over the Ferrari/Haas partnership and what the regulations entail for any future potential partnerships which may be pursued by Mercedes.

"I am comfortable with the outcome because the stewards decision gives us clarity and that was the main purpose of the exercise," Wolff commented.

"There is so much talk about Ferrari and Haas and what it means and what we sought, so I want to reemphasise that we had asked the FIA for clarification of what we could do in the future.

"We were looking at partnerships with some of the teams which are our engine customers, in order to optimise on the aero development and we weren’t quite sure about the rules, which were ambiguous. So we asked for guidance so every team would have a transparent, open communication."

Although his concerns were with Mercedes' own projects, Wolff was also appeased that the FIA had established that the Ferrari/Haas collaboration was not outside the regulations.

"I don’t think they operated outside of the regulations, I think Ferrari and Haas interpreted the rules in the right way and so it wasn’t for us to seek clarification for the past but we wanted to be rock solid for the future for us mainly, but for everybody to have that transparent information.

"This is a sport about gaining advantage and if they gained an advantage by interpreting the rules like they did then 'chapeau'. They deserve it."

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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.