F1 News
Sponsor not immediately impressed: "Mercedes was a brand for old men"
Mercedes have shown their new livery on the 2019 Silver Arrow and a new colour can be found. The logo of INEOS, their new sponsorship, can be found on the front wing and around the airbox.
INEOS is no stranger to the sports world because Jim Ratcliffe is also responsible for the successful cycling team that ties together victory after victory under that name. The 67-year-old British entrepreneur was present at the presentation of the new livery and tried to compliment the brand.
A nice compliment for Mercedes
"We really appreciate a top technological company like Mercedes. When I think of the image of Mercedes from twenty years ago, I think of a taxi or an old man's car. I would never have considered buying a Mercedes at the time," the founder of INEOS didn't particularly praise the iconic brand at first.
However, according to the performance in F1, the brand has greatly improved, says Ratcliff: "The success of Mercedes has done a lot to their name. I now also have a Mercedes, although I am now also an old man," Ratcliffe concludes the curious plea. When the microphone turns away, Toto Wolff seems to be looking at him with a look similar to 'please shut up'. At another point, Wolff could also be seen whispering in Ratcliff's ear.