Having teams in Formula E and Formula 1, and mastering both categories, is no coincidence. Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, can presume that not only has he dominated the Grand Circus of motorsport, but he also knows how to win at innovative events, such as the electric single-seater series.
His work has reached unimaginable levels, and like Alejandro Agag, Formula E’s founder, he envisions combining the two tournaments on the same stage.
Beyond merging the competitions as suggested by some, the Mercedes boss considers that it would be more viable to alternate the same stage in the future. “I’m not sure about merging, there are legal contracts. But I think Formula E looks spectacular on street circuits and I can really imagine these cars racing with Formula 1 in Monaco, in Singapore, on some of the street circuits,” he commented.
Innovative Impact
The Austrian has also highlighted on several occasions the contribution that both Formula 1 and Formula E have to the automotive industry. “There is a technology transfer from both. In Formula 1, it’s about hybrid technology, sustainable fuels. And here, it’s electric vehicles, and we put a lot of effort into doing a good job, and there are interesting parts for the road cars as well,” he explained.
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Mercedes arrived at Formula E with a team of their own last season, and recently won the Drivers’ Championship with Nick De Vries, as well as the Constructors’ Championship.
Always linked to Motorsport
Wolff began his motorsport career as a driver back in 1992, at the Austrian Formula Ford Championship. He also competed in the German Formula Ford Championship in 1993 and 1994, and won the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the latter year.
As a leader, on November 20, 2009, it was confirmed that he acquired 16% of Williams F1 Team and he joined as a director. In July 2012, he was named CEO of the British team.
In 2013, he became the new CEO and Mercedes shareholder, so he had to step down from his Williams responsibilities. Initially he remained a shareholder, although he later confirmed his intention to sell his share.
Under his leadership, the Mercedes team has been Master and Commander of Formula 1, winning uninterruptedly the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships from 2014 to 2020.
Written by I Jhonattan González