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Toto Wolff’s Shocking Admission: What Would Make Him Leave Mercedes F1 Team?

Redação by Redação
September 5, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Toto Wolff’s Shocking Admission: What Would Make Him Leave Mercedes F1 Team?

Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 27, 2025 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff during practice REUTERS/Gintare Karpaviciute

Toto Wolff, the mastermind behind Mercedes’ unprecedented success in Formula 1, has dropped a bombshell: he is ready to step aside as team principal if the perfect successor presents themselves. Leading the Silver Arrows since 2013, Wolff has steered the team through a golden era, clinching an astonishing eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships. However, the tides seem to be turning as the introduction of ground-effect cars in 2022 has seen Mercedes struggle, securing only six Grand Prix victories since their last championship win in 2021.

Unlike former rival Christian Horner, who faced the axe after Red Bull’s reign crumbled, Wolff’s position remains secure. The reason? He is not just the team principal; he holds ownership stakes in Mercedes, giving him a unique standing. In a candid revelation, Wolff stated, “I’m in a, maybe, little bit more favourite position that in order to leave I have to fire myself.” This puts him in a powerful position to shape the future of the team, as he can choose to transition into other roles like CEO or chairman if necessary.

Drawing inspiration from McLaren’s operational model, where CEO Zak Brown focuses on commercial ventures while Andrea Stella manages the racing side, Wolff hinted at a similar restructuring for Mercedes. “If I feel that I have someone else who can contribute more than I do, I would vacate the spot immediately,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success above his own position. Wolff is adamant about identifying future leaders within the organization, stating, “I would, in the long term, identify these people that can do that.”

Reflecting on his evolution as a leader, Wolff admitted, “Am I the guy [I was] in 2014? Certainly not, but I’m trying to compensate.” With a reputation as a fierce competitor, he recognizes that his approach has softened over the years, a shift he believes needs addressing. As the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1, Wolff contrasts sharply with the revolving door of leadership seen in other teams, where the frequency of changes often mirrors that of a football club.

The historical context of F1 suggests that a part-owner should also assume the role of team principal, as exemplified by icons like Colin Chapman, Ron Dennis, and Frank Williams. Wolff’s current position stands out against this backdrop, particularly amidst recent scrutiny faced by close friend Fred Vasseur at Ferrari, where early-season struggles led to intense media speculation about his future.

Wolff recalls his own early challenges at Mercedes, where doubts about his leadership echoed loudly, “At the beginning of my career, there were lots of times where I heard ‘Is Toto still the right guy?’” This turbulent period saw the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg unfold, shifting the narrative between praise and criticism. He encapsulated the experience, saying, “I think that multiplied by a hundred and then you’re in Italy,” referencing the intense scrutiny faced by his peers.

As the F1 landscape continues to evolve, Toto Wolff’s willingness to step back for the sake of the team underscores a commitment to excellence that could redefine leadership in the sport. The question remains: who could be the next great leader of Mercedes? Wolff’s openness to change may very well signal a new era for the Silver Arrows.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonjamarr-chases-mercedes-maybachLewis HamiltonNico RosbergToto Wolff
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