Inside: Toto Wolff’s Email That Boosted Mercedes to a Historic 8th F1 Championship

The 2021 season of Formula One saw some ultimate rivalries and racing. And at the heart of it were Mercedes and Red Bull. The two teams battled throughout the season with everything thrown at each other. Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, the two captains, steered their ship in different ways and both got the best out of their teams.

Red Bull was flying high in the first part of the season, as Mercedes faced an uphill task to match them. And that is when Toto Wolff showed his leadership skills. The Austrian’s email to his team during the tough times was revealed, and it proves that he meant business. The result? Mercedes won their 8th World Championship on the bounce.

Toto Wolff’s message to his team

Mercedes endured a difficult time in the 2021 preseason at Bahrain. The Silver Arrows looked lost for solutions as Red Bull were dominating the testing. Lewis Hamilton felt the need to improve lap timings and admits the car was not in the best shape.

The aftermath of the Bahrain testing saw Toto Wolff take some drastic actions. Consequently, the Mercedes team principal sent an inspiring email to the entire team describing the seriousness of the issue. He highlighted the necessity of teamwork and believed that the ‘strength of their values and beliefs’ made them different from the rest.

Mercedes started their season slowly but gathered their pace in a steady fashion. This allowed the German team to go neck to neck with Red Bull in the latter half of the 2021 season. Subsequently, they sealed their 8th constructors’ championship in a row.

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Will Mercedes need the same energy in 2022?

The 2021 season’s drivers’ championship went down to the last race. Ultimately, Lewis Hamilton lost to Max Verstappen amid a controversial decision made by the race director. However, the way Mercedes as a team pulled their socks up and bounced back to win the Constructors’ Championship is an inspiring story, and one which the entire team will cherish for a long time.

As far as the Silver Arrows are concerned, their 2022 season has again started on a somewhat similar note to last year. But this time, the Brackley-based team also faces a challenge from Ferrari alongside their old foes, Red Bull. The W13 is yet to show its full pace, but many, including AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly, believe that they are not ready yet. Lewis Hamilton has also cited problems with the car during the testing period.

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However, it will be a mistake to underestimate Mercedes, as they have shown their ability to come back from difficult situations in the past. Can Toto Wolff inspire Mercedes again? We will have to wait and watch.