Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports. It has been for nearly 70 years now. The speed, the money, the glamour defines Formula 1. But behind the glitz and the glamour, is the technology - that makes the sport what it is. From space age materials to the latest engineering breakthroughs, they all see the light of day in Formula 1 first. But all of this remains out of limelight.
So we met up with Toto Wolff, the Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, for an exclusive chat on the sidelines of the Shanghai Grand Prix to get an insider¡¯s look at Formula 1.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
1. In your opinion what changes could be made to the current racing format to make F1 more engaging for fans and drivers/ teams alike?
The regulation changes for 2017 were designed to even up the field slightly, and this has definitely been achieved so far. As a team, we are relishing the fight that looks to be on the horizon this year between us and Ferrari after the evidence of the first two races.
Like most people, I believe Formula One is all about the fans and I am always keen to make the sport more engaging for everyone who loves it. So far, Liberty Media have made some great moves to open the sport up to the fans and I am sure this will continue.
2. How crucial is the role of technology in the evolution of F1? Other than technologies directly linked with the cars, what else in the sport is being impacted?
Formula One and technology go hand-in-hand, both on the car and off. On the car, we are analysing thousands of different data channels just to find a single tenth of a second in a race. But technology plays a vital role in the whole showcasing of the sport. Fifteen years ago there was no social media or anything like that for fans to instantly absorb the sport. This type of technology is growing at an ever increasing pace and we are all part of this.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
3. For the 2017 season we welcome 20 Formula 1 races around the world. Do you believe there are too many races and if so what do you believe to be the optimum number for a F1 season?
One of the great spectacles of Formula One is how all the teams and support functions overcome the logistical challenge to make sure that all 20 cars can go racing in front of the fans around the world. Of course this puts a strain on people, but everyone at our factory in Brackley has passion and drive, and gives everything to ensure our car is the best it can be. Formula One is also one of the only truly global sports that visits so many countries. We have a duty to ensure that we remember this and excite as much of the world as possible.
4. Mercedes-AMG HPP supply the powertrains (engines) for the Sahara Force India Formula 1 Team ¨C what do you think about their performance?
Force India did incredibly well in 2016 to claim fourth place in the Constructors¡¯ Championship with the Mercedes engine. This year, they have our Mercedes Young Driver, Esteban Ocon, behind the wheel and so we would obviously love to see him have a great season and progress as a driver with them.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
5. Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport has a strong fan base in India ¨C what does the team have in store for them??
Working with TATA Communications, part of the TATA Group, in our track to factory connectivity, we will have an affinity with India and the fan base there. We love to engage with our fans from all corners of the globe. Without their support we wouldn¡¯t be where we are today and we are really focused on stepping up our interaction with fans for 2017 and providing them more engagement than ever before.
6. Looking back at racing in India, how did Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport perform at the Buddh International Circuit? Tell us about your favourite memories of racing in New Delhi?
The Buddh International Circuit has been a relatively consistent track for us, with Nico taking second place in 2013 being a particularly fond memory. I was always a fan of the vibrancy of New Delhi ¨C the fans really got behind the sport, which is great to see!
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
7. Which mid field drivers are you currently watching as strong contenders in the 2017 season?
The great thing about 2017 so far is that it is proving to be a real fight. Lewis and Sebastian Vettel are finally having the shoot-out that fans have waited for. Valtteri has also come into our team and is performing very well, but I know he is desperate for his first race win.
The drivers on our Mercedes Young Driver Program are also doing well. Esteban Ocon picked up his first points in Formula One in Australia and repeated that feat in China. We would obviously love to see him and Pascal Wehrlein have a good season, as soon as Pascal recovers from his injury.