The timing of Wolff’s statements coincides with Liberty Media’s second season in charge of the sport, on the eve of the first round in Melbourne and at a time when uncertainty over the future direction of the sport threatens to tear it apart.
In what could be the beginning of a power struggle, two camps have emerged: Ferrari led by their feisty president Sergio Marchionne and allies in one corner with Liberty Media led by Chase Carey and his crew as well as their supporters in the other corner.
In an interview with Press Association Sport, Wolff makes it clear where his loyalties lie, “The perspective of doing something else is a realistic one, and it could happen if we don’t achieve to align our vision.”
“Marchionne has a clear vision of what Formula 1 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 1 has a certain DNA and it is a sport that needs to stick to its roots. So, don’t mess with Sergio Marchionne. Formula 1 needs Ferrari much more than Ferrari needs Formula 1,” warned Wolff in what could be perceived as another message (direct or indirect) to Liberty Media.
This is not the first time that Wolff has publically supported Marchionne, but at the same time the Mercedes boss is keen to avert a split, “I will give it everything to align the vision among us by seeking consensus and accepting compromise.”
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