Mercedes Chief Confesses to Naughty F1 Deed: “Not Sure Toto Knows”

Mercedes has been winning trophies like no other since 2014. With so many titles, is there a chance that sometimes the team loses track of one of them?

Well, technically, yes.

Mike Elliott, Technical Director at Mercedes, shared such a story about when he took off with one of the trophies.

In an interview with Michael McGrath, Elliott talked about joining Mercedes, the team’s quest for the eighth championship title, and how he stole the constructor’s trophy after the team’s win in Barcelona 2014.

“I went up in 2014 in Barcelona, we had only just started winning. When you know what’s gone into it, you know how much effort loads of people have put into it, it’s kind of an amazing experience.”

“I was a bit naughty, I nicked off with the trophy, the constructors trophy, after the race. I took it home with me.

“I am not sure Toto knows about that,” he recalled.

“Well, he does now,” replied the interviewer.

ALSO READ – Toto Wolff: How Did a Candle Seller Go on to Run the Mercedes F1 Team?

Elliot explains the feeling behind collecting a trophy for Mercedes

The team that wins the race sends an individual to claim the constructors’ trophy on the podium next to the players. Elliot had his first chance in Barcelona, 2014, where he took the trophy back with him. In the interview, he also explained the significance of collecting that team trophy.

“Highlight so far is collecting the trophy on behalf of your team. I think it’s a completely humbling experience to stand up and collect that trophy and know that you’ve done that on behalf of the hundreds of people, both in Brackley and in Brixworth,” he explained.

Mercedes are working around the clock to claim their eighth championship title this season. They have also started dedicating resources to prepare for the 2022 technical regulations that could challenge their long-standing dominance.

Do you believe the Mercedes dominance is close to its end?