Mercedes should ‘sell the team at the end of 2020’

Mercedes should walk away from Formula 1 at the end of this season, or at least sell their works team, as with six titles in a row they have “nothing” to prove.

Who said that? Bernie Ecclestone of course.

Although Mercedes has denied it, rumours persist that the German manufacturer is contemplating exiting Formula 1.

Mercedes bought the Brawn GP team in 2010 and, starting in 2014, went on a six-year winning streak in both championships.

It is an unprecedented run and one that has put Lewis Hamilton on the cusp of equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Drivers’ titles.

However, Ecclestone reckons Mercedes’ time in Formula 1 should be up with Daimler leaving while they are on top.

That, he reckons, will leave a stain in the next team to the win the title as they will always wonder if they only won it because Mercedes quit the sport.

“I’ve met Mercedes boss Ola Kallenius when he was still in charge of Mercedes’ F1 engines factory in Brixworth,” Ecclestone told F1-Insider.com.

“So he knows what it is about. At the moment, however, he has other problems than his Formula 1 project.

“But what I am deeply impressed by is how he is leading the company through the emissions scandal and the corona crisis into the future.

“If I were him I would sell my team at the end of 2020.

“What does Mercedes have to prove after six titles in a row? Nothing.

“Every World Champion after that would have to live with the shortcoming only to have won the title because of the exit of Mercedes.”

Mercedes head into the 2020 season as the favourite to take both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles after a solid pre-season once again saw the Brackley squad set the pace

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