We have already reported that Mercedes is in talks with McLaren about the possibility of creating an independent Formula E team based on the works Mercedes-EQ Team, which is in its final season in the World Electric Car Championship.
According to the UK edition of The Race, the negotiations are nearing completion. In the final stages of Formula 1 in Jeddah, the current head of Mercedes-EQ, Ian James, and the team’s technical director, Nick Chester, flew in for negotiations with Zach Brown. It is believed that the parties have reached an agreement in principle, but some points still need to be clarified before the official statement.
One concerns the location of the team’s base, after it comes under McLaren’s control. Mercedes-EQ is now based in Brackley with a Formula 1 team. Although Mercedes supplies engines to McLaren, hosting an independent team that is even partially owned by one of Mercedes’ Formula 1 rivals is not an option.
The McLaren Technology Center in Woking doesn’t have much free space, but McLaren has kept the old base, which is likely to become the new center where the Formula E team will be housed. It now houses the Extreme E team. Possible move to Woking may lead to some disruptions, but if they do occur they will be short lived.
Another issue McLaren must address is the composition of the drivers. Now for the Mercedes-EQ are Nick de Vries and Stoffel Vandorn. It is believed that they will continue to play for the team after the change of ownership.
Source: F1 News
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
