They often say, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough gets going’. It would be an understatement to say that Mercedes is currently going through tough times. From championship favorites to fighting for 2nd place in a matter of just one year had to be difficult to digest for the team. It certainly had to be for team boss Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton who have enjoyed unprecedented success for almost a decade together. But the real character comes out when your back is against the wall. Wolff has currently found himself in that position and he is in no mood to jump ship.
Toto arrived at Mercedes as their team principal in 2013. The recently concluded Australian GP marks his 10 years with the team and what a roller coaster ride it has been. That roller coaster is currently going through a trough, but that does not deter a man like him. The 51-year-old is in for a long haul, ready to see his team at the top once again.
In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, he said, “Yes, this is what I do and this is my company. The ‘problem’ is that I can’t leave, I’ve thought of other scenarios, even the possibility of moving to Thailand, of changing my activities, basically of changing my life. But in the end, here I am, I’m in my own company, I’m one of three shareholders and I honestly think I’ve had a great opportunity to be where I am. It is important to remember this especially when there are ups and downs.”
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The current lean patch saw many doubting his leadership capabilities. However, the Mercedes leader revealed that the top management has thrown its weight behind him.
Toto Wolff eager to get back on top, does not matter how they get there
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The thing about champions is that they make winning a habit. That is a natural mentality for top athletes to develop over time. While Wolff is not a driver himself anymore, being at the helm of the team certainly has instilled that mentality in his psyche. The Silver Arrows have tried their best but haven’t been able to match Red Bull’s pace though.
The Mercedes boss recently said, “I think at this stage, we have no dogmatism of how the car should look like. It just needs to be the quickest possible race car. And if that car looks like a Red Bull, or like SpaceX, I don’t care, it just needs to be quick. And if it’s a Red Bull, we will put a little bull somewhere with a sticker, and I will have no shame if it’s quick.”
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Ferrari recently revealed their development plans that will possibly conclude with them following Red Bull’s concept. How long do you think Mercedes will wait before following suit?