Mercedes F1 team were close to splitting with Ratcliffe last year

It appears the All Blacks aren't the only team that Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been playing hardball with over sponsorship rights. UK media are reporting the Mercedes Formula One team came close to splitting with the petro-chemical billionaire last year amid tense negotiations over the terms of Ineos' sponsorship deal. The revelation comes amid a string of shock splits and cutbacks across the Ineos sporting portfolio, including walking out on a six-year deal with NZ Rugby. Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.