There were rumors that Mercedes was dropping Petronas as its title sponsor and replacing one oil company with another, Aramco. Although these rumors have been in the air for some time, CEO Toto Wolff recently dispelled the speculation.
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Petronas’ alliance with Mercedes is historic. As a result, the idea of a replacement shocked many. Toto Wolff denied such negotiations, however, as he strengthened the relationship between Mercedes and the Malaysian oil company by extending the contract.
Formula 1 F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, USA – October 22, 2021 Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes in the pits during practice REUTERS / Mike Blake
Wolff had said: “The partnership with Petronas is long-term and we still have many years ahead of us.”
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A spokesman for Petronas had checked the statements made by the Austrian. “Petronas and Mercedes have both benefited from a long-term collaboration that began in 2010. Last year we extended this partnership with a multi-year contract and we are proud to continue to be able to provide top performance together. ”
Mercedes will thus continue its decades-long relationship with Petronas, which the Malaysian brand represents on its chassis.
Toto Wolff explains Mercedes’ engine problems
After the title sponsor problem has been resolved, Wolff has his hands full with the championship fight in 2021. Given the motor penalties that are raining on the team, Wolff knows the Silver Arrows and their customer teams are in trouble.
Valtteri Bottas is on his sixth ICE, twice as much as allowed; as a result, he scored three penalties in the second half of the season. In the final constructors’ battle with Red Bull, Mercedes cannot afford to make any mistakes.
This also includes customer teams. At the US GP, Williams and Aston accompanied Martin Bottas on the penalty list. This makes McLaren the only customer team that is not affected by engine problems.
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Concerning his team, Wolff admitted, “I think you can see that we’re suffering from reliability this year … we’re really trying to get the issues under control and we didn’t get it.” [them] fully.”
Formula 1 F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 11, 2021 McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes Lewis Hamilton during Sprint Qualifying REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini
Regarding the situation with other Mercedes-powered teams, he said, “We are committed to delivering to all customers and that is not trivial … McLaren and Aston Martin are more fortunate and in that regard” [not taking penalties], we just have to take it on our chins and do the best possible job. “
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As the final approaches, the Brackley team has to get its engine problems under control. This is not only important for the result of the designer, but also for Lewis Hamilton’s W12. With a doubles championship within reach, a minor problem could become very costly for the team.
Check out this story: Lewis Hamilton’s biggest F1 crashes
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