Mercedes has rubbished a claim it could quit Formula 1 as a constructor at the end of 2018 by former team owner Eddie Jordan.
The Irishman has become known for his often outlandish sounding predictions, yet he has later gone on to be proven right on several occasions.
After three dominant years and Ferrari now re-emerging as a serious contender as well as Red Bull also trying to catch up, Jordan suggested the German manufacturer’s most successful days are behind them.
“Mercedes will probably pull the plug at the end of 2018,” he told Germany’s Auto Bild.
“I think they will go for the titles this and next year and then the board of directors in Stuttgart will decide to sell the team and stay only as an engine maker.
“I would do the same because Mercedes have won everything and can only get worse from now,” the now TV pundit added. “So it’s better to go back to their old core business in F1, which is developing and delivering high tech engines.
“Let’s put it this way: I had a lengthy talk with [Daimler boss] Dr. Zetsche in Monaco. I told him about my ideas and thoughts and he didn’t leave the impression these were wrong. But he obviously didn’t go into detail.”
His comments also came as he was asked if Sebastian Vettel could make the speculated move to Mercedes for 2018.
“No. He has everything he needs at Ferrari,” Jordan replied. “If Vettel suspects this (Mercedes possibly leaving), it really makes no sense for him to leave Ferrari.”
Now, however, motorsport boss Toto Wolff has flatly denied any claim Mercedes are considering changing their role in F1 in the future.
“Monaco is a place where people like to party and it seems like somebody did a bit too much of that,” the Austrian said.
“The reports are completely baseless and reflect nothing more than the mischievous speculation of one individual.
“Mercedes has firm contracts for its participation in F1 until the end of 2020 – and is currently in discussions about the next competitive cycle with the sport’s new owners.”