Mercedes and Ferrari are wheel to wheel on the race track but when it comes to the future, the German manufacturer would not follow its rival out the F1 door, says Toto Wolff.
The Silver Arrows team boss believes Grand Prix racing is a compelling business activity for Mercedes, and while the world championship winning team shares part of the Scuderia's worries about the future of Formula 1, it ultimately remains committed to the sport.
"Formula 1 is part of our core business," said Wolff, speaking at the "Bild100Sport" conference in Berlin.
"The first Mercedes was a race car. Formula 1 is not just a marketing platform for us. There is a direct technology transfer from the series.
"In addition, we cherish the sportiness of our brand. That’s why we want to stay in the series because it’s the only true global platform that counts for us."
Beyond Formula 1, Mercedes is branching out into Formula E in 2019, but Wolff insisted the burgeoning electric series won't replace F1 as the brand's main racing front.
"Formula 1 is clearly the top class in racing. But electrification happens, and it is a good message for every brand," said the Austrian.
"Three years ago, I would not have given Formula E a chance. But that has changed. It addresses a young, urban target group.
"The series' creators have done a good job. For us, it’s like a start-up we’re interested in. But it is complementary to Formula 1 for us, not a competition."
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