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Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has confirmed he's already started putting succession plans in place at the Silver Arrows. The Austrian team principle says he's started 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. Mercedes are currently leading the way going into 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. In order for Antonelli to win the title, he needs teammate George Russell to finish P9 or lower, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in P5 or lower.
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.
Now, speaking on the Cheeky Pints podcast, Wolff has explained the thinking about finding a successor and that responsibilities may not fall on the shoulders of one person.
The Mercedes chief 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.
"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."
Althought the current team principle did not name any potential successors, Mercedes' former communications chief Bradley Lord became deputy team principle in 2026 and has taken over on-site team principle 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.
“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.”
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