F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Wolff: Formula E is perhaps in need of a 'reboot'

Toto Wolff says the departure from Formula E of three prominent manufacturers, including Mercedes, is perhaps an indication that the all-electric series is in need of "a reboot".

Audi and BMW left Formula E after the final round in Berlin this month while Mercedes, which conquered the team and driver titles this season with Nyck de Vries, will follow its two German rivals out the door at the end of next year.

Wolff believes the trio's exit should provide food for thought for Formula E's chiefs.

"Upheavals always offer opportunities for change," Wolff told BILD. "At first glance, of course, it is unfortunate that three premium manufacturers are leaving at the same time.

"But maybe Formula E needs some sort of reboot right now to take the next step. Other teams, possibly more private ones, will grow because they will come into the spotlight."

Wolff is naturally happy with Mercedes' achievements in Formula E, having joined the series as a works entrant last season.

But the Austrian also underscored the performance of the ROKiT Venturi Racing team managed by his wife, Suzie Wolff, as the Monaco-based outfit uses a Mercedes powertrain.

"Of course, we were very happy about the title," said Wolff. "But Edoardo Mortara not only became runner-up in the championship, but Susie's driver Norman [Nato] also won the last Berlin race.

"This is at least to be regarded as an equal success. To make a private team competitive without a large corporation behind it and to lead to victories and a runner-up in the World Championship cannot be rated highly enough."

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.

Recent Posts

Brundle: Wheatley a good catch – but Aston must ‘settle down’

Sky F1’s Martin Brundle has backed Jonathan Wheatley’s expected move to Aston Martin, a team…

49 minutes ago

Villeneuve on why Mercedes ‘should be worried now’

The silver dominance of Mercedes might look unshakable on paper after the first three races…

2 hours ago

Stella reveals his ‘priority number one’ ahead of crucial F1 talks

Andrea Stella has fired a warning shot at Formula 1’s rule-makers, insisting qualifying must become…

18 hours ago

Hadjar set to unleash iconic Red Bull RB7 at historic French GP

French F1 fans are in for a treat – and a blast from Grand Prix…

19 hours ago

‘I don’t know’: Briatore’s blunt verdict on Alpine’s winning chances

For all the talk of fresh momentum at Alpine, Flavio Briatore admits that there is…

21 hours ago

A historic first, and last, for Andretti at Long Beach

Mario Andretti won the 1977 US Grand Prix West at Long Beach on this day…

22 hours ago