The Mercedes AMG F1 team has dominated the sport since 2014. They have won every single constructors’ championship since the beginning of the turbo-hybrid era. One of the main pioneers behind their success is team principal and CEO Toto Wolff. Under the guidance of Wolff, the German team has become the most dominant team in Formula One.

Wolff has guided the German team to eight consecutive constructors’ championships. But the Austrian mentioned that he felt burnt out in the 2020 season. Toto revealed he was facing some psychological issues since the death of three-time world champion and Mercedes advisor Niki Lauda.

WATCH STORY: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive

They were ten very difficult months for me: Toto Wolff

As reported by Formula Passion, Toto Wolff mentioned it was a rough 10 month period for him after the death of Niki Lauda. He shockingly revealed that he was willing to give up 8 years of hard work and leave the sport after his 2020 contract expiration.

“They were ten very difficult months for me, even mentally. I gave everything for almost eight years and I felt burnt ‘to some extent. Also, my contract was expiring and I could have sold my shares.” said Wolff.

“All this led me to an internal conflict: I kept asking myself ‘do I want to stay in Formula 1? Can I still make my contribution, or can someone else do the job better? ‘ I’ve spent nearly a year thinking about it. It was a great self-reflection, also because of the pressure I was feeling. In the end, I chose the Mercedes and Formula 1, because this is where I found my place,” said the Mercedes team boss.

It is quite shocking to know that Toto Wolff was struggling mentally when his Mercedes team was at its dominant best. We are grateful that the Austrian did not succumb to his challenges and continued to lead the German team to further glory. Hopefully, he is in a much better place mentally and enjoying all the success.

READ MORE: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?