“Not Something I Ever Expected” – Toto Wolff Delighted After Mercedes Collaboration Bags Him Prestigious Honor

Toto Wolff has been at the forefront of Mercedes’ bid to dominate F1. Having led the German giants to seven consecutive World Championship titles, several institutions have recognized his efforts. And now, the Cranfield University has joined the list.

The University, during its annual graduation celebrations, awarded Wolff with an honorary degree. This is a massive privilege for the Austrian, who showed up at the university campus to collect his degree.

In addition to that, he and his wife Susie, Rokit Venturi Racing team principal, also met with several key faculty.

Wolff said, “I am now an honorary Doctor of Science, which is not something I ever expected to be, especially after failing to complete my undergraduate studies in Vienna! I feel both privileged and honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious institution.”

He said, “It’s a special moment, particularly because of the great work and collaboration between the Mercedes F1 Team and Cranfield University over the years, which I know will continue into the future, too.”

Get to know Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff

In his early life, Wolff studied at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. However, he did not complete his education, chosing to pursue a racing career instead. Admittedly, it was short-lived, but he did achieve a 24-hour endurance class victory. After that, he decided to shift his focus to the business and investment world.

First in 1998 and later in 2004, he founded two investment companies. One of them even bore fruit in the form of HWA AG, who handle the Mercedes-Benz DTM and Formula 3 engine programs. Later on, in 2009, Toto got his first taste of Formula One with a stake in the Williams F1 Team. Three years later, he took on the role of Executive Director for the Grove-based team.

When the Mercedes team entered Formula One, Wolff became the Managing Partner and acquired a 30% stake in the company. In addition to that, he became the Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. In other words, he is in charge of the German giants’ motorsport programs, including Formula 1 and Formula E.

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