For 2019, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport will now be changing its motorsport strategy, as the brand has now confirmed that it will depart the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters at the end of the 2018 season to commit its future within racing in both Formula 1 and Formula E.
The Stuttgart brand will leave a lasting mark on the history of the series itself when it moves away from the DTM, having made the following achievements in the category:
- 10 drivers’ titles.
- 13 team and six manufacturer titles (DTM and ITC combined)
- 183 race wins.
- 128 pole positions.
- 540 podium finishes.
Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, Toto Wolff, stated that the achievements that the brand have had in the DTM “will always be held high as a major chapter in the motorsport history of Mercedes.”
“I want to thank every team member whose fantastic work has helped to make Mercedes-Benz the most successful DTM manufacturer during that time,” said Wolff, whose outfit will join both BMW and Audi in Formula E for season six, starting in 2019.
“Although leaving is tough for all of us, we will be doing everything during this season and next to make sure we win as many DTM titles as possible before we go. We owe that to our fans and to ourselves.”
“Our departure from the DTM brings a long-standing motorsport era to a close,” said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing of Mercedes-Benz Cars, who admitted that “it is now time to start on a new path.”
“We look back with pride on the commitment of our teams, drivers, partners and the many people behind the scenes, who so often made the series a fascinating platform for our customers and for fans of our brand.”