Mercedes is planning for a future beyond Toto Wolff’s day-to-day leadership. With his contract due to expire at the end of 2026, Wolff says he is evaluating two or three people who could share his responsibilities as team principal and CEO. He expects to remain connected to the team through his family’s ownership stake, potentially in a non-executive role.

By the Numbers
  • Wolff joined Mercedes in 2013 and owns 33% of the team.
  • Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors’ championships from 2014 to 2021.
  • Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg won seven drivers’ titles for Mercedes.
Yes, But

A handover could spread Wolff’s duties across several executives rather than appointing one successor. But his ownership makes a clean break unlikely, and he says any non-executive role would need clear boundaries to avoid interfering in daily operations. Wolff has not named the people he is considering.

State of Play
  • Deputy team principal Bradley Lord is already part of Mercedes’ leadership structure.
  • Mercedes is also building around young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
What’s Next

Wolff’s contract runs through the end of 2026, giving Mercedes time to shape a leadership structure and define his future role. The transition is expected to be gradual, with continuity and clear decision-making central to the plan.

Bottom Line

Wolff is preparing to make himself less central—not necessarily to leave Mercedes. The team’s challenge is to turn his succession plan into a durable leadership structure without disrupting its competitive momentum.