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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says he is “in a moment of reflection” when it comes to his future with the team and Formula 1 in general.
Wolff’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2020 and he says he is still undecided about his future beyond that. With six consecutive double world championships, Wolff is the most successful team principal in Formula 1 history.
“I really have enjoyed many years in F1 in that role, and the discussions that we are having are very good,” said Wolff.
“I am happy that my relationship with Ola [Kallenius, chairman of Daimler] is probably as good as it can be, and we speak almost every day and there are many factors that make me want to stay in F1.
“On the other side, it takes a toll, and this plays into my under consideration. But as it stands there is no reason not to continue with Mercedes, and we will find out in which role.”
The Austrian was asked if these considerations mean he could no longer be a team principal.
“This is down to the discussion between Ola and myself. We want to do the best for the team and continue to see the team prosper.
“And as I have said before, I really enjoy the role, and my plan is to continue. I enjoy what I do. I enjoy it mostly because I love to work with the people that are within the team.
“There is no better place for me to be in meeting room with the engineers, to sit in the garage and watch the great work that is happening around.
“I enjoy the battles that we have off track. I like to engage with our sponsors and partners. What that means for the future is a decision that I need to take together with my wife, and together with Ola.
“That doesn’t mean I won’t be around as a team principal or I won’t be around in another role, but it’s just that I’m thinking about it.”
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Lewis Hamilton’s contract also expires at the end of 2020 and the Briton has said recently that he would like to know what the future holds for Wolff, before he makes a decision on his own future.
“It’s flattering that he says that it is dependent on what I do, but I think he doesn’t need me. He has a great team there that will always support him.
“But as I said before, I haven’t taken the decision yet. These are discussions that are ongoing and that are positive and I enjoy them.
“I don’t want to give you the spin that I’m leaving, because that’s not the case. I’m in a moment of reflection, where Formula 1 is heading to, what is happening around the COVID case and also personal reasons that I said before.
“Susie [Wolff’s wife] is in a good place running a Formula E team and that means she’s away a lot. I’ve been to God knows how many races, 120 Formula 1 races, in the last eight years.
“That is something we’re thinking about,” concluded the Austrian.
During the Spanish Grand Prix third free practice, former Mercedes driver and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg gave his opinion on Wolff’s comments.
“Toto said he’s wary about going from very good, to good,” explained Rosberg.
“At the moment, he’s on the top of Mount Everest. He’s the greatest team leader of all-time in Formula 1, there’s never been a team that has won so much in a row.
“There’s only really one way to go, and it’s down from that. He seems to be very wary of that, to get the exit moment right, to not stay too long and ride the wave down again.”
