Marussia F1 wanted to merge with Williams and Sauber

Marussia F1 Team reportedly sought to merge with Williams and Sauber. It is Toto wolff, the executive director of Mercedes AMG F1, who revealed the information on ESPN F1 claiming that he had had discussions with Andrei Cheglakov, the extremely wealthy owner of the Russian team. The latter wanted to take over the shares that Toto Wolff still owns in the Grove structure while also seeking to invest in the team of Hinwil experiencing financial difficulties.

“I have been in discussion with Marussia who also contacted Sauber”, commented Toto Wolff. “He's a well-reputed person who finances the team at the rate of 50, 60 or 70 million (currency not specified) per year, like Tony Fernandes (the owner of Caterham), but the team is nowhere on the plan performs. Then, we have a team which is based on healthy foundations and where we can buy a small number of shares, 5% or a little more, to be part of the management. We only spend 20 or 30 million to promote our own brand. This would put an end to Marussia or Caterham… that’s why the discussions have gone nowhere. »

Toto Wolff clarified that he would wait for the right opportunity to sell his Williams shares. The Grove team is currently going through a difficult period after having experienced a particularly bad season. “I will never do anything against the interests of Frank (Williams, the founder of the eponymous team), added the executive director of Mercedes AMG F1. “I not only need to find someone who is willing to take over my shares, but who can also act as a sponsor or who is able to bring added value to Williams. This organization has continued to generate profits in recent years by diversifying its business. »