Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Will Not Show Up to Every Race in 2023 – But Why?

Next year’s 24-race calendar will arguably take a toll on many people working in F1. This includes Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as well, who gave an important update regarding his availability in the paddock next season. Subsequently, the Austrian has claimed that it is not sustainable for him to be present for 24 races.

In what will be another record-breaking calendar in F1 history, teams might have to reconsider the workload of their employees. Toto Wolff accepted the fact that they need to find solutions and said that the race team might skip a few races to prevent burnout.

Talking to the told the PA news agency, the Mercedes chief said, “The drivers have to, but we start on Monday in the office and go through until the end of the week. We need to find a solution, and I think the race team will skip a few races every year in order to survive. There are a few individuals that can take over some of my tasks.”

He further stated that his physical absence does not mean he won’t be a part of the race. He added, “I have a full intercom setup. There is a race support room at the factory, and I will be part of every single debriefing. I just won’t be there physically.”

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Other teams would also look to follow Silver Arrows’ strategy to protect their employees and also reduce unnecessary traveling. Additionally, the Constructors might need to find the right work-life balance for their members.

FIA adds 3 more Sprint races to the F1 calendar in 2023

The current calendar of F1 had a total of 3 sprint races (Emilia Romagna, Austria, and Brazil). However, the FIA has doubled the number of sprints to 6 for next year. The venues of these sprint races are still undecided.

In a statement released by the FIA, Stefano Domenicali said, “The sprint provides action across three days with the drivers all fighting for something right from the start on Friday through to the main event on Sunday — adding more drama and excitement to the weekend.”

However, drivers like Sebastian Vettel and the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, do not agree with the CEO’s statement. Vettel even claimed that sprint races were just a way for the FIA to “make more money”.

Even the Dutch Lion has previously claimed not to be a fan of the sprint race format. Verstappen still prefers the normal weekend schedule.

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There’s a famous old saying that goes, “A company is only as good as its employees”. The Silver Arrows are setting an example for the other constructors to follow. Toto Wolff is one of the first to hint at some major changes in the team due to FIA’s latest schedule.

With the risk of burnout of F1 employees ever increasing, do you think other teams should follow Mercedes’ lead?