More success will drive Mercedes’ costs down - Wolff

Continuing success will drive Mercedes towards a clean balance sheet in formula one.

That is the claim of team boss Toto Wolff, after it emerged recently that the Brackley team recorded a more than $100 million loss as it raced to the titles last year.

That loss is despite premium sponsorship deals with Petronas, Blackberry, Hugo Boss and others, and many millions in official and bonus F1 prize money.

But Wolff told DPA news agency at Sochi: "Upon winning the championship, the lost to Daimler will fall sharply to the point where it is cost neutral."

He is not exactly sure, however, when that will happen.

"Formula one is not static," said the Austrian. "New technical regulations mean new costs in this hugely competitive sport.

"But the goal for the costs to move downwards is chiselled into stone for us. You must also remember the real costs versus the enormous marketing value of the team," Wolff added.