Mercedes Considering Partial Withdrawal From F1

Reports say that Mercedes are considering a partial withdrawal from Formula 1 that would see them involved in a semi-official team from 2014.

According to Auto Hebdo in recent months the the higly regarded people at the German car manufacturer have been asking themselves how to get rid of such a costly team with very disappointing results while still enjoying its benefits

Unhappy with Bernie Ecclestone's decision not to give them a seat on the board when or if F1 is floated on the Singapore stock exchange, it is believed that Mercedes have not signed the new Concorde Agreement thereby refusing to commit to F1 for a long term.

Added to that, a report in the June's edition of German business paper, Handelsblatt, claiming that the company could quit over the Gerhard Gribkowsky bribery scandal.

A Mercedes' spokesman was quick to deny the rumours saying: "Our Formula 1 commitment is for the long term and an integral component of our company philosophy."

The reports of their withdrawal have not died down with Auto Hebdo stating that Mercedes are set to change their level of participation in Formula One at the end of 2013.

Instead of having the Mercedes AMG team and focusing on their ownership of it, the team will be known as AMG F1.

Global Motorsport Media reports that the team will be run by team boss Ross Brawn while 7 time World Champion Michael Schumacher will stay on as a driver.

Mercedes will continue to provide their engines to customer teams.