Wolff reveals motivation to remain as Mercedes F1 boss

Toto Wolff has stated that his desire to lift Mercedes back totitle-winning performance has motivated him to remain at theBrackley-based squad. The Austrian has signed a three-yearextension with the outfit to remain on board as its Team Principaluntil at least the end of 2026. Wolff headed Mercedes' Formula 1set-up during its success-filled years from 2014 to 2020 when itwon seven consecutive double championships. However, it slippedback in the pecking order when new technical regulations werebrought into play in 2022. Mercedes has taken just one race win inthat time, courtesy of George Russell at the 2022 Brazilian GrandPrix. Having committed himself to Mercedes' future, Wolff admittedthat there was a moment several years ago when he questioned hisposition within the team. "I have long been a shareholder with aposition on the board and that will not change with the role,”Wolff told Gazzetta Dello Sport. “I have been responsible for allMercedes' sporting activities for 11 years, in addition to my roleas Mercedes' team boss. “Winning is the only return theshareholders want from their investments, and I am working to makethat happen. “I wouldn't stay if I wasn't sure I can give mymaximum. There was a moment in 2020, after winning so many worldtitles, when I asked myself the question, a life question: do youwant to stay in F1 or return to finance. I understood then that myplace is here." 'A mountain to climb' Although it endured its firstwinless season since the 2011 season, Mercedes ended last year'scampaign in second place behind runaway leaders Red Bull. Wolff hasstated that Mercedes has a “mountain to climb” to recover back tothe front of the field but has backed his team to do so. “Thesuccess of a team depends on the motivation and energy ofindividuals. A team is like a living organism that has to adapt todifferent circumstances. “What we are doing now is forming anorganisation that will get there. “We have a mountain to climb,against Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren, who are all strong, but 2026is already on the radar. “Sustainable fuel, and a totally differentpower unit and aerodynamic package. The most stimulating part isbeing part of a group in transformation to win again.”