Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff insists the German manufacturer's foray into Formula E does not put their Formula 1 future into doubt.

The Silver Arrow will join Porsche in the all-electric series from the 2019/2020 season as the championship, currently in its fourth cycle continues to attract the big names.

This as feisty negotiations over the future of F1 are also taking place with Ferrari and Mercedes both threatening to quit after 2020 if they don't agree with the direction taken.

However, the Austrian states the value of competing in the 'pinnacle of motorsport' remains strong from several perspectives.

“F1 is part of our core business,” Wolff claims. “The first Mercedes was a race car.

"F1 is not just a marketing platform for us, there is a direct technology transfer from the series.

“In addition, we cherish the sportiness of our brand. That’s why we want to stay in the series because it’s the only true global platform that counts for us.”

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He also played down any potential threat Formula E poses to F1 though did acknowledge being a part of it also brought a good amount of value.

“Formula 1 is clearly the top class in racing but electrification happens and it is a good message for every brand,” Toto said with maintaining an electrical aspect one of his key positions in F1's 2021 engine talks.

“Three years ago, I would not have given Formula E a chance but that has changed, it addresses a young, urban target group. The series creators have done a good job.

“For us, it’s like a start-up we’re interested in but it is complementary to Formula 1 for us, not competition."