In 2014, when the new Concorde Agreement for Formula 1 teams begins, it could be the name of AMG F1 carrying the hopes of the three-pointed star, with no mention of Mercedes-Benz in the official title. That’s the word according to French magazine Auto Hebdo.
Mercedes is yet to sign the new Concorde Agreement and it’s believed they may be keen to put an exit strategy in place on the back of disappointing results. Mercedes-Benz returned to a full factory-backed team in 2010 after buying out BrawnGP at the end of the 2009 season. Despite BrawnGP coming off an unlikely season of dominance that year, Mercedes has claimed just one race win, the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, in the 49 races that have followed.
The name of the manufacturer’s performance arm, AMG, was added to the team’s title late last year and it makes some sense for AMG to carry full naming rights from 2014 and beyond.
It’s also been reported that Mercedes is not entirely happy with the bribery scandal involving German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky and Bernie Ecclestone.
There’s been a suggestion that Mercedes may choose to focus on engineering behind the scenes, leaving the daily running of the F1 team to AMG and the current Brackley-based operation, lead by Ross Brawn.
Regardless of the decision on the team’s official title, Mercedes-Benz is still expected to continue its role as engine supplier. As well as its own team Mercedes currently supplies engines to McLaren and Force India.
[Source: Auto Hebdo via WCF]