Wolff reveals motivation to remain as Mercedes F1 boss

Toto Wolff has stated that his desire to lift Mercedes back to title-winning performance has motivated him to remain at the Brackley-based squad.

The Austrian has signed a three-year extension with the outfit to remain on board as its Team Principal until at least the end of 2026.

Wolff headed Mercedes' Formula 1 set-up during its success-filled years from 2014 to 2020 when it won seven consecutive double championships.

However, it slipped back in the pecking order when new technical regulations were brought into play in 2022.

Mercedes has taken just one race win in that time, courtesy of George Russell at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Having committed himself to Mercedes' future, Wolff admitted that there was a moment several years ago when he questioned his position within the team.

"I have long been a shareholder with a position on the board and that will not change with the role,” Wolff told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“I have been responsible for all Mercedes' sporting activities for 11 years, in addition to my role as Mercedes' team boss.

“Winning is the only return the shareholders want from their investments, and I am working to make that happen.

“I wouldn't stay if I wasn't sure I can give my maximum. There was a moment in 2020, after winning so many world titles, when I asked myself the question, a life question: do you want to stay in F1 or return to finance. I understood then that my place is here."

'A mountain to climb'

Although it endured its first winless season since the 2011 season, Mercedes ended last year's campaign in second place behind runaway leaders Red Bull.

Wolff has stated that Mercedes has a “mountain to climb” to recover back to the front of the field but has backed his team to do so.

“The success of a team depends on the motivation and energy of individuals. A team is like a living organism that has to adapt to different circumstances.

“What we are doing now is forming an organisation that will get there.

“We have a mountain to climb, against Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren, who are all strong, but 2026 is already on the radar.

“Sustainable fuel, and a totally different power unit and aerodynamic package. The most stimulating part is being part of a group in transformation to win again.”