Mercedes willing to compromise to make F1 more unpredictable

F1's four engine manufacturers have until January 15 to come up with a list of proposals to answer a range of questions regarding the current power unit after plans for an independent engine were blocked.

Wolff accepts Bernie Ecclestone's ultimate aim is to close up the F1 field, and he says Mercedes is prepared to put some of its own interests to one side.

"We are all pretty clear we want to move forward, and I'm having really good discussions with Bernie every single day about where things should go," Wolff told Autosport.

"Sometimes we have different opinions, different targets, and I know and absolutely accept what his target is.

"His product is difficult to sell if you know before the start which driver or team is going to win.

"Equally, and he accepts this as he has said it many times, in our world we need to optimise on Mercedes' performance.

"Now we need to align and find a compromise and ask what we can do to make it a little less predictable, give it a little more variability.

"From his perspective, from what I understand, there are other players who are much more opportunistic, who jump on that train for their own little cause.

"It is Bernie who is responsible for the show, and you need to listen."

Asked whether common ground was possible given the needs of the engine manufacturers, and the wishes of Ecclestone and the FIA, Wolff added: "Yes, of course.

"In sports, in business, like in any other relationship it is about compromise, and finding the best compromise.

"We are having discussions behind closed doors - and we are making the odd controversial comment in the press - which is necessary to re-emphasise what is needed, but I don't want to take part in that game."