An increased stake by Mercedes in Aston Martin will have no impact on the F1 teams

Mercedes announced last month that it had reached an agreement with Aston Martin to increase its stake in the British car brand up to 20% over the next three years.

The increase will be gradual, with Mercedes increasing its stake in Aston Martin from its current 2.6%, making it the company’s second largest shareholder.

Mercedes will be added to the F1 grid by Aston Martin in 2021 when the existing Racing Point operation is renamed under the British brand after team owner Lawrence Stroll invested in the company earlier this year.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is also a private shareholder in Aston Martin, but has no connections to his F1 team.

When asked whether an increase in Mercedes’ stake in Aston Martin would have an impact on the motorsport programs of both manufacturers, Wolff said that no changes are currently expected.

“No, not for the time being,” said Wolff. “The Formula 1 team, the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, is completely independent of Aston Martin cars.

“Obviously the stake in Daimler is something that was decided solely on the basis of the merits of the car companies, not the racing side.

“From my point of view nothing changes.”

The deal between the two manufacturers puts an emphasis on technology transfer and gives Aston Martin access to Mercedes’ powertrain architecture – including hybrid and electrical – for future product launches through 2027.

Stroll said the partnership was a “moment of transformation” for Aston Martin and paved the way for it to become “one of the largest luxury car brands in the world”.

Racing Point is currently receiving an engine supply from Mercedes as well as a number of unlisted parts for its car, as permitted by the technical regulations.

Aston Martin’s return to grand prix racing at the factory was a large part of Stroll’s vision for the brand, even if the F1 operations are in a separate ownership.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel will switch from Ferrari to Aston Martin for the 2021 season and act as the brand’s global ambassador.