There were also cash bonuses being offered to teams who had won the
constructors’ title since 2000, teams who had not changed their name since
2000 and an annual ’Double Champions’ payment for teams who had won titles
‘in any two or more consecutive seasons including or after the 2008 season’.
Those terms would heavily favour McLaren, Ferrari, and reigning champions Red
Bull.
Mercedes declined to comment on the situation on Saturday, but it is
understood the carmaker and parent company Daimler are prepared to play
hardball and may even explore legal action under EU competition law,
specifically Articles 101 and 102, which involve the restriction of
competition and abuse of a dominant position.
Mercedes’ displeasure may well have been exacerbated by the fact that McLaren
— their key allies in the Formula One Teams Association following the
departures of Red Bull and Ferrari last December — have also reached an
‘agreement’ with Ecclestone, although it remains unclear how binding that
is.
A team spokesperson would only confirm that the team was “in broad agreement”
with the commercial rights holder. It is unclear whether McLaren have
managed to secure a better deal since last weekend.