Mercedes chiefs Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda sign new deals until 2020 to work alongside new recruit James Allison
Two Austrian Formula One supremos extend their stay to help win more constructors' titles
MERCEDES have finalised their vision for the future after signing up both Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda until 2020.
The two Austrians will work alongside new recruit James Allison to help the Brackley-based team retain the drivers and constructors titles.
Former world champion, Lauda, joined the team in 2012 and was instrumental in encouraging Lewis Hamilton to quit McLaren and join Merc in 2013.
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Lauda, who owns 10 per cent of the team, will retain his role as non-executive chairman while Wolff, who is a 30 per cent shareholder, remains as Executive Director.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman and CEO of Daimler, said: "It's great news that Toto and Niki have extended their agreements.
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"In 2013, we restructured the management of the team with the clear goal of improving our performance.
"Since then the results have exceeded our expectations. A key factor in this success has been the combination of Toto's entrepreneurial skills and Niki's experience.
"Their renewed commitment gives our programme important continuity for the next four years."
Meanwhile, British driver Paul Di Resta has been retained by Williams as the team's reserve driver for this season.
And Sauber have become the first team to launch their new car for this season.
The Swiss team is celebrating 25 years in Formula One and their new C36 car features a blue and gold livery paying tribute to their time in the sport.