“It Takes its Toll”: Toto Wolff Unsure of Continuing as Mercedes F1’s Team Principal

Saying that Mercedes F1 have had plenty of success under Toto Wolff would be an understatement. The Silver Arrows boss has masterminded 6 consecutive Constructors’ Championship titles with Mercedes and looks set to add to that tally by the end of this year.

However, Wolff’s contract with the Brackley-based team is expiring at the end of the season. And according to the man himself, he’s not sure whether he’ll continue in his role as the team principal beyond this season.

Wolff said that he was pondering his future in that role with Daimler boss Ola Kallenius. Wolff is also the CEO of Mercedes F1 as well as the head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports. Handling so many high profile roles is certainly no easy job. That is why Wolff may consider quitting his role as the F1 team boss.

He said, “Many factors make me want to stay but it takes its toll. There is no reason not to continue. (But) we will find out in which role. We want to do the best for the team and continue to see the team prosper. I really enjoy the role and my plan is to continue but I never want to be in a situation where you are becoming from very good to good. I haven’t taken the decision yet. It is just I am in a moment of reflection.”

Mercedes boss claims Lewis Hamilton doesn’t need him for future F1 success

Meanwhile, another crucial member of Mercedes’ F1 dominance, Lewis Hamilton, is also yet to sign a new contract. However, Lewis is waiting for Wolff to seal his contract deal first before Hamilton commits to an extension.

But Wolff insists that even if he doesn’t continue as the team boss, Lewis’ performance won’t be affected. He said, “Lewis staying is the best thing he can do and it’s what he wants to do. He has the possibility of achieving great success, It’s flattering he says that it is dependent on what I do but he doesn’t need me.”

Coming to the season at hand, Mercedes enter the Spanish Grand Prix with a lead of 67 points over second-place Red Bull. They seem poised to continue their dominance for at least another year. Can anyone stop them? Seems highly unlikely, but perhaps Red Bull can throw a spanner in the works.