Mercedes to lose Petronas sponsorship

As electric cars take off, oil companies like Petronas are going to fall on hard times

(GMM) Toto Wolff is not commenting on reports Mercedes may lose its title sponsor.

Earlier, it emerged that Malaysia is considering not extending its contract to host an annual race at Sepang beyond next year.

That could have implications for Petronas, the government owned Malaysian oil company that sponsors not only the race near Kuala Lumpur but also Mercedes.

"For us, obviously we will listen to the decision," strategic communications chief Rizan Ismail said.

"Petronas' contract is with FOM, so that is something (Sepang) and FOM have to come up with. Once we have a decision, I'm sure we will inform the relevant parties, review it and take further action."

When asked if it is possible Petronas will withdraw from F1, including its title sponsorship of the championship-winning team, boss Toto Wolff said: "I cannot comment, simply because I don't have any information to give.

"Yes, Petronas sponsors the Malaysian race, but their contract situation is not known to me. I can also not say anything about its other sponsorship programs," he added.