Toto Wolff is Willing to Compromise Over F1 Engine Freeze Issue
Giancarlo Perlas November 6, 2014
Mercedes AMG Petronas Executive Director Toto Wolff stated in his interview with ESPN that he is open for a compromise regarding the issue surrounding the Formula One in-season engine freeze. He noted that he will agree to the idea if budgets will not rise dramatically.
According to the source, Mercedes opposed the proposed relaxation of the engine freeze rules not because of performance reasons. Instead, the team is worried that it might jack up the costs related to the development of engines.
Wolff noted the fact that Mercedes is supplying eight engines for various teams in F1. The figure is in contrast with the two Honda delivers, plus four that Ferrari and Renault each provides in the sport. He claimed the cost will rise significantly if a second spec engine will be introduced. Logistical elements were also taken by the chief into the equation.
The Motorsport Director of Mercedes cleared out he is amenable in finding a middle ground with the other competing teams if the changes will benefit the sport. However, he explained that the compromise should guarantee a long-term stability of the sport. He added that if Mercedes and the other teams will sit down and agree on a rule change, then it should be long-standing so that they won’t have to change rules every year.
Wolff certainly had good points to support his teams position, particularly his argument regarding the costs and his stance on having another rule change when in fact F1 just crafted new ones for this season. We should add that above from things he mentioned like costs and logistical issues, manpower will come into the picture as well.
