“Control Freak” Toto Wolff Admits to Lewis Hamilton Making Him Feel “Insecure” While Answering Daughter Rosa’s Simple Question

Building a dynasty in F1 that’s lasted for the better part of a decade isn’t a stroll in the park. That’s what Toto Wolff made it seem like, though, with Mercedes. No doubt, the domination the Silver Arrows enjoyed during the majority of the turbo-hybrid era of the sport was down to the talented boys and girls back at base in Brackley. However, Wolff ran the whole operation with much sublimity.

Naturally, the traits that are required to do so are very specific. And Wolff, during his years at the helm of this dynasty, exuded them all. One such characteristic required from a leader is the ability to be hands-on. To be able to do whatever is required and execute their vision to the tee. But when does it go too far? In the case of the Austrian, his sojourn with the Silver Arrows was a success due to one particular personality trait of his that Lewis Hamilton was able to expose.

The day when Lewis Hamilton exposed Toto Wolff’s true nature

In a feature for Acker Magazin, Wolff was being posed with questions by his daughter, Rosa. When Rosa asked her father, “Are you generally a good passenger?” Wolff had no choice but to spill the beans. He said, “I’m a control freak, but I’m aware of it, so I can keep that in check to some extent. Susie is definitely a better car than me. But even when I ride with her, I always have a certain feeling of losing control.” [translated via Google Translate]

He then went on to narrate the time when Hamilton laid his nature for all to see. “But she’s handling it better since I did a lap as Lewis Hamilton’s co-driver at Hockenheim. In every corner I was worried that we would end up in the wall. She says if even Lewis Hamilton makes me feel insecure, that’s okay if she feels the same way.”

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His wife, Susie, has had some first-hand experience with Wolff’s antics as a co-passenger. But in all of this, where does Hamilton stand with respect to his equation with the eccentric Wolff?

Lewis Hamilton opens up about a tough relationship with Toto Wolff

The partnership that the duo of Wolff and Hamilton have forged in the sport is beyond legendary. But while on camera, the two seem to be made for each other. Behind the scenes, the reality of life seeps in as the relationship takes a more mature turn.

Crash.net quoted Hamilton as revealing, “Toto is one of my best friends. We’ve had tough, tough times, we’ve had tough negotiations, there’s been emotional bursts, a rollercoaster of emotions together over the years, but we’re like family. I want what’s best for him. He wants what is best for me.”

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In the grand roster of F1 team bosses, where would you rank Toto Wolff?