As the U.K. draws nearer to the day it finally departs from the European Union (EU), team principal of racing champions Mercedes said a no deal Brexit could give birth to multiple problems for Formula One and teams under the premier car racing group.
According to The Telegraph, Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, predicted that a no deal Brexit "is the mother of all messes" for Formula One teams. He explained that F1 teams are made up of international racing experts, many of them are EU citizens.
Wolff pointed out that with team members traveling across the U.K. and other EU states 21 times per year, business could get hampered if Britain leaves the union without a deal. He noted that trading and purchasing of auto parts in the country will be impacted.
"Our team is international, with 26 different nationalities, including many EU citizens, and there is uncertainty at the moment about how it is going to be affected," the Mercedes chief said.
Mercedes is a team that has a number of operations across Europe. It has an international base in Stuttgart and two other centers in Northamptonshire. The trade of auto parts is a major driver for growth in these facilities. Wolff fears that a no deal Brexit could take a toll on business.
Wolff's sentiments came after Honda revealed plans to shut down its road-car manufacturing facility in Swindon. The plant closure is expected to have a heavy impact on around 3,500 employees.
Like other Formula One champions, Mercedes is usually ecstatic over the winter testing season. However, things were gloomy on this year's day one of the tests as Brexit uncertainties have started taking a toll on the sport and the auto industry.
Last week, Ford Motor Company warned of a "catastrophic" scenario if a no deal scenario were to take place by the end of March. According to BBC News, the Michigan-based automaker said Britain leaving the EU with no deal will be a catastrophe for the country's overall auto industry and the company's manufacturing operations.
The American automaker also reportedly said that it will take necessary action to ensure that its European branch will remain on top of the competition.
Like Formula One's Mercedes team, Ford is a company that employs thousands of people in its British facilities in Halewood, Dunton, Dagenham, and Bridgend. The car provider has yet to respond to rumors that it will shut down its U.K. base following Brexit.
