How much of Mercedes F1 does Toto Wolff own?
Toto Wolff is not only the Mercedes F1 Team Principal but also an important stakeholder in the Brackley team.
Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff is one of the biggest figures in the F1 paddock. The Mercedes Team Principal has led the Silver Arrows to unprecedented success in the sport. The Austrian made his mark in and outside of Formula 1 with his investments over the years. Wolff is not only the team boss of the Mercedes F1 team but also a stakeholder in the Brackley outfit.
Toto Wolff first held a 30% share in the Mercedes F1 team in 2013. This figure increased in recent years. The 51-year-old now holds a 33% stake. This makes Wolff an equal shareholder to Mercedes’s parent company, Daimler, as well as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest person, who owns 33% of the shares through his company Ineos. Ineos is also a sponsor of the Silver Arrows.
Niki Lauda, too, held a 10% stake in the German team during his time as the Non-Executive Chairman. However, this was sold by Lauda’s family after the death of the former world champion. Additionally, to the shares owned by Toto Wolff, the Austrian also receives a hefty salary from the Silver Arrows. It is estimated that Wolff earns over $26 Million as the Mercedes Team Principal. Other bonuses are also enjoyed by the 51-year-old.
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Toto Wolff’s investments in F1 other than Mercedes
Wolff is a successful entrepreneur. The Austrian invested in a variety of firms before focusing on Motorsport. Initially, Toto Wolff acquired a 49% stake in the Mercedes DTM Team in 2009. This came after a few years of the 51-year-old investing in the suppliers of the German giant. In Formula 1, Toto’s first efforts came with the Williams F1 team.
The Mercedes boss bought 15% of the British team’s shares in 2009. Following this, Toto Wolff became Executive Director of Williams in 2012. Many reckoned that Wolff could potentially take over as Team Principal after Sir Frank Williams. However, the 51-year-old jumped ship to Mercedes shortly after and disinvested in the Grove team. Rumors had floated in 2020 that Wolff had reacquired 5% of the team. However, Claire Williams clarified that this transaction had failed.
Interestingly, Toto Wolff is a shareholder of a rival to Mercedes in F1, Aston Martin. As Lawrence Stroll led a consortium to gain control of the iconic British automaker, Wolff secured a 0.95% stake in the giant for $35.24 Million. Despite being rivals on the track, Mercedes and Aston Martin share technical partnerships. Silver Arrows increasing its stake in the British team to 20% this year.
Thus, Toto Wolff remains an integral part of the Mercedes F1 team. F1 teams have skyrocketed in value in recent times. This further enhances the value of Wolff’s investment in the team. Although more importantly, the 33% share puts the 51-year-old on an equal footing to Daimler. This, in turn, ensures that Toto cannot be pressured by the Mercedes board and thus can work independently.
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Armaan Agarwal
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