Mercedes is reluctant to sign the Concorde Agreement, F1 right in its boots

While F1 thought to celebrate its 70th anniversary in a serene and festive climate, Liberty Media must face the revolt of a majority of the teams regarding the sanction imposed on Racing Point, considered too lenient, for having used brake ducts inspired by a concept Mercedes. 

But this is not the only dispute that is shaking up the Silverstone paddock. Indeed, while the new Concorde Agreements, which are supposed to govern sport on a commercial, legal and political level beyond the current season, must be completed and ratified by August 12, Mercedes continues to show its opposition.

His boss Toto wolff believes that Brackley's contribution is not fully appreciated, where teams like Williams, McLaren, And especially Ferrari say they are ready to sign the new agreements. 

« At Mercedes we have been very clear in saying that we are in favor of a fairer redistribution of income, Wolff said from the United Kingdom. We want success to be rewarded and attainable. 

I would say that we are the main victim of the new distribution. Ferrari maintained an advantageous position, while Red Bull can balance its accounts thanks to Alpha Tauri. We are the most aggrieved as it stands. 

I feel that Mercedes has made a significant contribution to the sport in recent years. In addition to performing well on the track, we have the driver who attracts the most people worldwide. 

We believe we were not treated properly during the negotiations. Several subjects remain to be debated, both on a legal, sporting and commercial level. 

I don't have the impression that we are ready to sign these Concorde Agreements ». 

• Liberty Media is getting impatient

F1 was quick to respond to Wolff's comments, saying it did not want to postpone the date of ratification of the Concorde Agreement. 

« Formula 1 interacted constructively and collaboratively with all 10 teams on the grid and listened to all points of view, says an official press release. This agreement is essential for the future of the sport and all of our fans. We are moving forward and will not be delayed in our approach ». 

Wolff's mention of Ferrari is particularly revealing because the Scuderia was once a sticking point but seems to have obtained guarantees, such as the maintenance of its veto power and part of its historic bonuses, to display such a conciliatory attitude. 

Asked to know when and in what framework progress in the Mercedes-FOM negotiations could take place, the Austrian manager simply blurted out: “ It depends on the other side. If we feel a desire to sit down around the table and address essential issues in order to eventually reach a compromise, the situation can quickly resolve itself. But we haven't felt this approach yet ». 

The atmosphere is definitely celebratory on this 70th Anniversary.