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Toto Wolff says he will remain in charge of the Mercedes F1 Team, but notes that some recent changes ‘surprised’ him.
Although he already denied it on two occasions, the Austrian once again gave his comments on the rumour that he might leave Mercedes to join Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin team in 2021.
“In most of the stories I read about it, people have added one plus one and come up with three,” said Wolff.
“My contract with Mercedes runs until the end of 2020, and we are still in good discussions about what we want to do together.
“All of this has been pushed into the background by the coronavirus, because we all have bigger problems to solve now – human problems in our companies.”
However, according to Wolff, one thing is for certain – the proposed move to Aston Martin is definitely not happening.
“I am not going to make a strategic investment [at Aston Martin] either.”
“Stroll and his team are a big customer of our team. In addition, Lawrence has been a good friend of mine for many years – regardless of our business relationships.
“Lawrence is becoming chairman of Aston Martin and from this people added one and one and came up with three.”
Although Wolff confirms that he will remain Mercedes’ boss “in the short term”, he hints at some trouble in paradise.
“I’m in my eighth year [at Mercedes] now – I love the sport and this team,” explained the Austrian.
“However, I am somewhat surprised by the changes that have taken place over the winter and by the behaviour of individual people. This also has to do with my decision on what to do in 2020 and beyond.
“But I am and will remain the head of Mercedes motorsport and in charge of the Formula 1 team, and nothing will change in the short term.”
Wolff might be talking about the rumoured tension between himself and Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius, but this is just speculation at this point.
The Austrian also went on to dismiss insinuations that there is any strain in his relationship with Lewis Hamilton.
“Total nonsense. Our relationship is closer than ever and we talk about our future every day.
“Everything indicates that we will continue in a similar form to today.”
Source: Osterreich newspaper
