Mercedes: Zetsche Ready to Compete Against Audi and BMW in F1
Dieter Zetsche, the head of Mercedes, would welcome the arrival of new car manufacturers in Formula 1, starting with its German rivals in the premium sector: Audi and BMW.
The head of Daimler – parent company of Mercedes, Dieter Zetsche, who saw the star-branded company clinch its first Constructors’ Championship in Formula 1 this season, along with its third Drivers’ Championship with Hamilton after Fangio’s titles in 1954 and 1955. However, the German boss would like to see other manufacturers join the competition with Mercedes.
« We share – and I am speaking of the premium segment – about 80% of the market with Audi and BMW. Of course, we admire Red Bull and Ferrari and the other teams, nevertheless other constructors’ teams [BMW and Audi] would be welcome for us, » Zetsche told *Sport Bild*.
Ferrari, McLaren, and Caterham – whose future is uncertain – are the only other manufacturers present in F1, but they are not in the same segment as Mercedes, do not produce as many vehicles, and do not have as extensive a range as the Stuttgart brand.
BMW left F1 at the end of 2009, and Audi’s entry into F1 has been the subject of recurring rumors for a few years – just like Porsche, a member of the Volkswagen group like Audi. But for now, nothing concrete seems to be taking shape for the future of these German brands in F1.
Zetsche also reflected on Mercedes’ journey since its return in 2010 following the acquisition of the Brawn GP team, which was crowned in 2009 both in drivers and constructors, which he did not expect to be so laborious: “We never imagined that success would be so difficult and would take so long to achieve.”
