Mercedes F1's Toto Wolff invests in Aston Martin

Aston Martin has attracted fresh new investment from Mercedes F1 team principal, Toto Wolff, just weeks after Racing Point F1's owner snapped up a controlling share in the famous British sports car-maker.

Following in the footsteps of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, Wolff bought a stake of just under five per cent, worth around £8 million ($A15.7m).

In response, Mercedes has been quick to label Wolff's investment in Aston as a purely "financial investment" that did not affect his role as an executive and shareholder of Mercedes-AMG F1.

The purchase of shares is viewed by some commentators as strategic.

Following Stroll's £260 million injection of capital ($A510m), the Racing Point F1 team will be re-branded 'Aston Martin' in 2021.

Wolff, meanwhile, owns 30 per cent of the Mercedes-AMG F1 team and just happens to be in negotiations with Daimler about an extension of his contract beyond this year.

Muddying the waters further, Mercedes is also a shareholder in Aston Martin, having bought shares back in 2013.

The German car-making giant also has a close working relationship with Racing Point and as it supplies powertrains.

Despite issues over conflict of interests, Daimler has reportedly approved Wolff's investment internally.

Back within the paddock, Wolff's investment will frustrate other smaller teams. The German and Stroll are close friends, and Racing Point has already been labelled as Mercedes-AMG's B team.

In fact, this year Racing Point F1 angered many as it looked close to being an identical copy of last-year's championship-winning Mercedes.

Racing Point defended itself against the critics by replying that other teams had the opportunity to copy Mercedes and that its technical partnership had enabled it to buy parts from the current world champions.