Toto Wolff says Mercedes needs stability

After Wolff and Niki Lauda arrived to take on major Mercedes roles over the winter, the team also approached McLaren technical chief Paddy Lowe, in a move that prompted reports that boss Ross Brawn would be ousted.

While Brawn has insisted he plans to stay and McLaren is adamant Lowe is not leaving in 2013, the longer-term picture remains unclear.

AUTOSPORT understands that Mercedes has continued to approach technical figures at rival teams during the winter, but while Wolff did not rule future changes, he insisted now was not the time for more tinkering.

"It would be foolish to take assumptions now, or take some things as fact," he said. "I need some time to meet the people, speak to the people and get an overview, but I think what the teams needs utmost is stability.

"We are just ahead of a difficult season, a very important season for the team, so let's keep the ball flat at the moment and see how it develops."

He described the media storm over the Lowe situation as 'unhelpful'.

"All the rumours about new people joining us are not good at this stage, and generally do not help," said Wolff.

"I think Paddy is very well recognised and is one of the top guys in the paddock, and McLaren and many other top teams will be interested in him - but at this stage we cannot tell you more.

"He is at McLaren this year and let's get on with our job and do the best possible in 2013."

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