Mercedes starts the search for the next German Formula 1 talent.

      "We won’t approach this with a lack of seriousness alongside ADAC."

      Mercedes has partnered with Germany's largest motor organization, ADAC, to provide full financial support for the country's upcoming Formula 1 talent. Team principal Toto Wolff stated that the rising expenses associated with junior motorsport—€250,000 for karting and €1 million for Formula 4—have excluded all but the wealthiest families. "Without industry support, no one can afford this anymore," he remarked at Zandvoort. "As a German brand, we aspire to see a German driver in Formula 1 in the next few years—someone we've nurtured, like Kimi Antonelli or George Russell," Wolff added. "We won’t take a half-hearted approach with ADAC; we intend to identify the best talent, and we’re ruthless in that respect."

      ADAC, the German Automobile Club, already provides assistance to German drivers. However, with Mercedes’ support, exceptional young talents as young as 10 will be scouted, undergo competitive assessments using identical equipment, and if they succeed, receive full financial backing throughout their journey in single-seater racing.

      Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius stated that he personally initiated this program. "Perhaps we’ll discover the next Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, or Nico Rosberg," he said. "We aim to motivate and make it clear that there's an opportunity; maybe one day you’ll find yourself in a Mercedes-AMG cockpit."

      Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman of the ADAC sports foundation, expressed his approval of the initiative. "Regular families do not possess the financial means," he noted. "Consequently, those who are unable to finance their aspirations are often filtered out early, even if they possess talent. If talent is identified, the family no longer has to worry about funding their career."

      Wolff also encouraged German businesses to get involved. "We will only continue if we see potential," he said. "However, if individuals show promise, more than one could certainly be supported in the long term if their performance is competitive on an international level."