Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has confirmed he has already started putting succession plans in place at the Silver Arrows. The Austrian team principal says he has begun vetting two or three people who could take over the mantle, but has ruled out a complete break from the team due to his part ownership.
Wolff's Succession Vision
Speaking on the Cheeky Pints podcast, Wolff explained the thinking about finding a successor and that responsibilities may not fall on the shoulders of one person. He said: "For me, it’s important to do what’s best for the family and to do what’s best for the team. And that means looking at the structure going forward, where this team can live without me."
Wolff added: "Probably it’s not going to be the same because I have the credibility as an entrepreneur that’s leading my own businesses, but there will be a solid management structure. And I believe that my job is going to be divided between two or three people that I’m vetting at the moment, that I believe are already doing a great job with all of their strengths in various areas. It’s going to be different, but it will be a successful team."
No Clean Break Due to Ownership
Although the current team principal did not name any potential successors, Mercedes' former communications chief Bradley Lord became deputy team principal in 2026 and has taken over on-site team principal duties in Wolff's absence.
Discussing what the future may hold, Wolff added: "I think a clean break is probably not possible if I continue to own it with my family. So that kind of executive, non-executive chairmanship is something that may happen. But it needs to happen in a very, very precise way. Because you can't be on the sidelines and interfere with the daily business."
Wolff has been with Mercedes since 2013 and signed a contract extension in 2024 to remain as team principal and part owner of the team until the end of 2026. Mercedes are currently leading the way going into the United States GP, with Kimi Antonelli in with a chance of winning the Drivers' Championship in Austin. If the Italian does reign triumphant, and Mercedes go on to win the Constructors Championship come the end of the season, Wolff would move level with former McLaren boss Ron Dennis on 17 world championships.
Wolff also remarked: "I also don’t want to end up in a situation that I believe the family can run it the best way and then be just mediocre. You have to earn your spot in running it, and you have to contribute, and my children also don’t seem to have any interest."
