Mercedes could now support a proposal to allow drivers the use of a fifth engine in 2015 before incurring a penalty.
During the Malaysian Grand Prix, there was unanimous support for the additional power unit from all ten teams, which is particularly vital for Renault.
At present, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo is on his fourth unit heading into the fifth race of the season and is therefore likely to be inundated with penalties as the season progresses.
However, the proposal came under threat when Mercedes’ Niki Lauda claimed the Anglo-German team would not support it at a vote next week when the F1 Strategy Group convenes in Biggin Hill.
“There will be no fifth engine,” Lauda said last week. “You cannot change the regulations in the middle of a season.”
However Toto Wolff has contradicted Lauda and says they are willing to vote in favour if it means more Friday running as a result.
“We have called for the fifth engine,” he told the Kleine Zeitung newspaper this weekend. “Subject to the condition that more running is done on Fridays.
“For us, it is not ideal and we would make do with four engines, but it is important that we support the fans.”
However he added that Mercedes’ support might not be enough as he’s unsure how rival teams will vote, particularly Ferrari customers as both Renault and Honda are keen on the idea.
“The debate will take place but I’m not sure if all the teams want another engine because of the cost.”
