Mercedes to consider increased investment from principal partner Ineos

Mercedes is understood to be considering increased investment from partner Ineos although it is believed a full takeover is unlikely.

Speculation has been swirling for some time over the future of Mercedes within Formula 1 and, with the team yet to decide what to do with the 10 per cent stake formerly held by the late Niki Lauda, it is clear there is an opportunity for outside investment.

Further fuelling rumours is the uncertain future of team principal Toto Wolff who owns a 30 per cent stake of the team.

The Austrian has said on numerous occasions that he does not want to drop from a "very good" performance level to simply a "good" level, and the 48-year-old has been open across 2020 in the fact he is considering his future.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, former team owner turned pundit Eddie Jordan said, "The ownership of the team is going to be taken over by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.

"The Ineos name is already on the side of the car anyway and they have this technological partnership, so this is a nice way out for Mercedes.

“The team will be called Ineos but it will still be run from the factory in Brackley and Mercedes will retain a 30 per cent share in it. It will not be known as Mercedes any more and Toto Wolff, the team principal, will no longer be in charge.”

Mercedes has confirmed to GPFans that it does not wish to comment on this fresh speculation surrounding the future of either Wolff or the team, but it is understood that while outside investment would be welcomed, Mercedes has no desire to walk away from the sport at this point.

Ahead of the 2020 season, Ineos joined the F1 team as a 'principal partner', signing a five year deal.

In it's existing portfolio, Ineos already owns the British America's Cup INEOS TEAM UK, the world's most successful cycling team, Team INEOS, Ligue 1 football club OGC Nice and Swiss Challenge League side FC Lausanne-Sport.

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