Toto Wolff Plans to Sell Stake in Mercedes F1 Team Valued at £4.6 Billion
Toto Wolff, the prominent team principal of Mercedes F1, is reportedly planning to sell his stake in the team, which is currently valued at approximately £4.6 billion. This potential sale marks a significant shift for one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.
Mercedes F1 Team Ownership Structure
The Mercedes F1 team is jointly owned by three major stakeholders: Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz, and the chemicals company Ineos. Each partner holds an equal one-third share in the team.
Value Growth of Mercedes F1
Since Ineos purchased its stake for £208 million in 2022, the valuation of the team has significantly increased. This rise reflects broader trends in Formula One, where team valuations have soared due to the sport’s growing global appeal.
Impact of F1 Popularity
The increase in team valuations has been fueled by various factors, including the release of an F1-themed movie starring Brad Pitt. The film, which premiered last summer, has generated over $630 million (£458 million), making it both Pitt’s most successful film and the highest-grossing sports film to date.
Current Season Performance
As the current racing season approaches its conclusion, Mercedes holds the second position in the constructors’ championship, trailing behind McLaren. With three races remaining, lead driver George Russell has achieved two victories out of 21 races this year, securing fourth place in the drivers’ championship.
Championship Achievements
- Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors’ championships (2014-2021).
- The team secured seven drivers’ titles during this period.
- Lewis Hamilton claimed six drivers’ championships, while Nico Rosberg won one.
Future of Mercedes F1
A spokesperson for Mercedes has confirmed that the governance of the team will remain unchanged, emphasizing the commitment of all shareholders to the success of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One.
