Toto Wolff finds it ’embarrassing’ to talk about leadership at Mercedes. The team principal has been at the helm of the Silver Arrows for over a decade, yet he still sees himself primarily as part of the collective. The Austrian feels compelled to protect his team, his ‘tribe,’ and isn’t afraid to take risks: ‘I only take calculated risks.’
Since taking charge in 2013, Toto Wolff has led Mercedes to remarkable success. The team has clinched the Constructors’ Championship eight times, while drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg together secured seven Drivers’ Championships for Mercedes. Wolff stands as one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history, but he prefers to shy away from discussions about his leadership.
“I find it embarrassing to talk about leadership,” Wolff admits in a candid interview with Forbes. “This idea of one leader is something I really struggle with. I couldn’t be the best CFO, the best CMO, and the best CEO all in one. I see myself as part of that team. If a definitive decision needs to be made, I will make it. But I trust the collective.” According to the Austrian, his role is to create an environment within Mercedes that both protects and inspires. “I see it a bit like my tribe; I need to protect them. But at the same time, I must also provide a clear goal.”
Mercedes Takes Calculated Risks Amidst Challenges
Don’t think for a second that the Austrian is afraid to take risks with Mercedes! It was team principal Toto Wolff’s bold idea to let Andrea Kimi Antonelli make his debut with the Silver Arrows. “I only take calculated risks. And calculated risks mean that even the worst possible outcome is something I can live with,” he explains.
2026 Regulation Changes on the Horizon
However, under Wolff’s leadership, Mercedes hasn’t had it all their way. The Silver Arrows completely missed the mark in 2022—the last time Formula 1 underwent drastic regulation changes. “That was the first time we didn’t do well at Mercedes,” Wolff admits. Looking ahead to 2026, when F1 will introduce a brand new set of regulations, the team principal sees a fresh start. “That’s what Formula 1 is all about: innovation, high-tech, and being the fastest laboratory in the world.”
