Breakaway motorsport to F1 possible, admits Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confessed that a rival, breakaway motorsport to Formula One could happen in the near future if compromises cannot be reached between the team, and Ferrari, with the new owners of the sport Liberty Media who will be implementing radical changes in 2020.

Liberty have been in charge of F1 for around 14 months now and have already made alterations to the tradition of the sport, some of which have been polarising to say the least.

The American organisation, along with the FIA, have introduced the halo device this year which comes in the form of a safety device to protect the head of the drivers during crashes.

This, along with the abolishment of grid girls, has left Liberty upsetting fans and teams alike.

Their major changes are yet to come to fruition, however. In 2020, they have proposed to regulate engines and ensure the distribution of prize money is more even among the constructor teams in order to level the playing field - something which Ferrari and Mercedes in particular have taken exception to.

Sergio Marchionne of Ferrari and Wolff have continuously spoken out at the proposals, and Wolff reckons the teams could start a breakaway motorsport.

"The perspective of doing something else is a realistic one, and it could happen if we don't achieve to align our vision," said Wolff in an interview with Press Association Sport.

"Marchionne has a clear vision of what Formula One should represent for Ferrari, which is a purist sport that isn't a shopping channel. I would strongly encourage all of the sport's stakeholders not to try and provoke him.

"I agree with most of the things Sergio says because Formula One has a certain DNA and it is a sport that needs to stick to its roots.

"So, don't mess with Sergio Marchionne. Formula One needs Ferrari much more than Ferrari needs Formula One.

"I will give it everything to align the vision among us by seeking consensus and accepting compromise.'

Both Mercedes and Ferrari are bound to F1 into 2020 in their current contracts.