Wolff hails 'visionary' Sauber-Ferrari partnership

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has praised Ferrari for their alliance with Sauber and considers the partnership as a 'visionary' step forward for Formula One, whilst also suggesting that the Silver Arrows could consider doing something similar with a smaller team in the future.

As well as entering their own works team in competition, Ferrari will be powering the new partnership between Alfa Romeo and Sauber. American outfit, Haas, are also considered to be a feeder squad for Ferrari meaning that the Prancing Horse has a substantial presence on the field.

Wolff has praised Ferrari bosses Sergio Marchionne and Maurizio Arrivabene for their decision, and suggested Mercedes could follow in their tracks.

"I think Sergio Marchionne and Maurizio Arrivabene are smart men," Wolff told by Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"Already with Haas it offers Ferrari technical benefits, but what is happening with Sauber is even more visionary," he added.

"Such an alliance can be a threat to us, so we have to think about something similar.

"It's not so easy to do when you do not want to interfere with the functions of your own team, but we need to keep our eyes and ears open because we are always looking for intelligent plans," he assured.

Mercedes currently have customers in Force India and Williams, and Turun Sanomat reports that these two teams will be the first on the radar for the Silver Arrows should they look to secure a 'B team'.