Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, has shed light on the team’s approach to creating a positive working environment while aiming to close the gap to Red Bull in Formula 1. As negotiations continue with Lewis Hamilton for a new contract, Wolff has emphasized the importance of maintaining a cohesive team without any disruptive elements. In an interview, he discussed the team’s policy of avoiding individuals who lack integrity, loyalty, and truthfulness, referring to it as the “no d***heads” approach, drawing inspiration from the All Blacks rugby team.

Wolff’s statement comes as Mercedes seeks to secure Hamilton’s future at the team. Their partnership has yielded remarkable success over the past decade, both on and off the track. Wolff’s commitment to creating an environment where everyone can thrive highlights his dedication to building a cohesive and high-performing team.

In a recent interview with Nasser Hussain for a Sky Sports documentary, Toto Wolff revealed: “Sometimes the best ones are the most complex ones. I think it’s just acknowledging that we’re all different. It is my duty to create an environment which makes everybody thrive. We want to have the best ones and as I said before, they are complex. But the fallback would always be the All Blacks policy, no d***heads. If you lack the basic values of integrity, loyalty and truthfulness, then you shouldn’t be here.”

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Wolff further elaborated on the importance of maintaining a positive working environment and the correlation between personal happiness and performance. He cited Lewis Hamilton as an example, explaining that Hamilton’s pursuit of other passions, such as fashion design and music, has been supported by the team.

Wolff recalled a weekend in Singapore when Hamilton faced criticism for missing initial meetings due to his fashion commitments. However, Hamilton’s subsequent exceptional performance on the track silenced the skeptics, demonstrating the effectiveness of their approach.

Lewis Hamilton’s Impact on Mercedes

Amidst ongoing contract negotiations, Lewis Hamilton’s future with Mercedes has been a topic of intense speculation. However, it is widely anticipated that Hamilton will ultimately sign a new deal with the team, given the success they have enjoyed together and the positive working environment that has been fostered.

Toto Wolff acknowledged his friendship with Hamilton and revealed his support for the driver’s endeavors beyond Formula 1. Hamilton’s passion for fashion, as well as his advocacy against social injustices, has been embraced by Mercedes. Wolff shared an anecdote from the 2018 Singapore GP, highlighting how Hamilton’s happiness in pursuing his creative passions translated into exceptional performance on the track.

“In qualifying he put in a lap that was unseen. On Sunday he took the lead and disappeared into the distance and was never seen. That is the moment when people stop telling me and telling him what to do,” he explained.

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Toto Wolff’s commitment to creating a positive and cohesive working environment at Mercedes underscores the team’s pursuit of excellence in Formula 1. As negotiations for Lewis Hamilton’s new contract continue, the team’s focus on fostering a culture of grit remains paramount. By encouraging Hamilton’s diverse interests and providing support beyond the sport, Mercedes aims to maintain a strong and successful partnership with the seven-time world champion.