© Daimler AG
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says the role of Formula 1 team principal could be redefined and split into two separate positions.
Recently Wolff has been very vocal about the toll that the role of team principal has taken on him. The Austrian’s current contract expires at the end of 2020, and he has already said he was thinking about taking a different role within the company. Now Wolff says the role of team principal itself should be rethought.
“I’m not sure that the concept of team principal works in Formula 1 anymore,” Wolff said to Channel 4.
“I’m responsible for 2000 people. 1000 in the engine plant and 1000 in the factory, so should really one person burden the whole responsibility and accountability?
“I’ve loved doing that but maybe with a look into the future we could maybe have the roles split. That would probably be the right structure for any organisation but I haven’t properly defined it.”
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
The Austrian went on to explain how his tenure with Mercedes has taken its toll on his health.
“I think if you do it with all you have, all your heart, all your energy…I’ve done that now for eight years.
“The question is whether that is sustainable. Does your family life suffer? Does your own health suffer from it?
“I’ve had migraines which is something completely new. Your mind doesn’t cope any more with downtime.
“I believe we all have a shelf life in some roles. I don’t want to become from great to good because then somebody else should take over at this point. It is a moment of reflection for me.
“It is a high level of intensity. What I do and we do is the search for perfection.”
