Toto Wolff plans Mercedes stay while preparing succession

Toto Wolff intends to remain in charge of Mercedes, while preparing for a future in which his responsibilities are shared across several roles. Speaking after the Mexico City Grand Prix, he said his continued contribution would determine when he eventually steps aside.

“I don't plan to call it a day,” Wolff said, according to Motorsport.com.

The comments followed Kimi Antonelli’s championship-clinching third place in Mexico. Wolff has led Mercedes since 2013 and remains its team principal and chief executive.

Wolff expects his responsibilities to be divided

Wolff said he assesses his effectiveness daily and would move aside if he believed someone else could serve the team better. An executive chairman position was one possible role he raised for that eventual transition.

He also argued that the traditional model of one principal handling racing, sponsors and relations with Formula 1’s governing and commercial bodies had become harder to sustain. His expectation is that Mercedes will divide those duties in the years ahead.

Bradley Lord already shares the workload

Wolff highlighted the support provided by deputy team principal Bradley Lord, praising his organisation and attention to detail. Lord has taken on responsibilities that previously demanded more of Wolff’s time.

Lord’s appointment is already part of Mercedes’ current structure. Formula 1 reported his promotion on 20 March 2026, when Wolff said his own overall responsibilities would remain unchanged and the move would strengthen the leadership group.

Mercedes’ official profile lists Lord’s remit as communications, sustainability and young driver development, alongside work with Wolff and the wider executive team. That portfolio extends beyond the communications roles through which he built his career.

Antonelli’s title follows years of development

The leadership discussion comes as Mercedes celebrates a new drivers’ champion. Before Mexico, Wolff’s assessment of Antonelli’s Austin victory had emphasised the support behind the Italian’s progress, including the junior programme, engineers and family.

Antonelli then secured the crown by finishing behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in Mexico City.

Wolff’s latest comments set out a direction for eventual succession, without announcing a departure date or naming a sole replacement. For now, he plans to continue leading the team.