Toto Wolff commits to long-term F1 future with Mercedes after stake sale
Toto Wolff confirms his lifelong involvement with Mercedes and Formula 1, even after selling part of his stake. He states success, not profit, drives him and jokes he could never fully step back, envisioning a long-term role as a committed shareholder or director.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Formula 1 and the team, stating he sees himself involved in the sport "in one way or another" for life. This declaration follows his recent sale of a portion of his personal stake in the team's holding company.
Why it matters:
As one of the most influential figures in modern F1, Wolff's future intentions directly impact the stability and direction of the eight-time constructors' champion team. His commitment provides crucial continuity for Mercedes as it navigates a competitive slump and prepares for the major 2026 regulation overhaul, signaling that a foundational pillar of the team's success remains firmly in place.
The details:
- Wolff, who joined Mercedes in 2012, sold 15% of his personal stake to American billionaire and existing partner George Kurtz, founder of CrowdStrike. He retains a 28% ownership share in the team.
- He emphasized that his primary motivation is success, not profit, noting there will "always be another goal."
- While his exact future role may evolve—from executive to non-executive, chairman, or board director—Wolff made it clear that complete detachment is unlikely. He humorously suggested he would become "the annoying shareholder on the sofa who in hindsight would have taken better decisions."
Looking ahead:
Wolff's focus is already extending to the next era of F1. He has previously highlighted the extreme potential of the 2026 cars, suggesting that full energy deployment on a straight could theoretically achieve speeds of 400 km/h. With Mercedes rumored to be well-advanced in its 2026 power unit development, Wolff's long-term leadership will be pivotal in steering the team through this next regulatory challenge and back to the front of the grid.