F1 top priority for Mercedes despite Formula E rumours

Mercedes F1 chiefs say Formula E is on the rise but it is too soon to envisage Mercedes switching from Formula One to the electric racing series.

Chairman Niki Lauda, a former world three-time world champion, said in Budapest that F1 remains Mercedes's priority.

"Formula One is our racing sport so an exit is not an issue at all," the Austrian said.

Mercedes and Porsche have announced plans to withdraw from the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) series and the Le Mans 24-Hours race respectively, creating speculation that they were poised to switch to Formula E.

But that will not happen at the expense of F1.

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"No, we had to ask where is the future going? And at the same time, we have to try to make Formula E more attractive because at the moment you have to change the batteries," Lauda added.

"Formula E is still at the beginning of its development, but electrification is in full swing," Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said.

"I would not be surprised if in three, four or five years Formula E is completely different and we are talking about every single race."