Toto Wolff reveals he repeatedly tried to quit Mercedes amid F1 struggles

The Austrian has been one of the defining figures of modern Formula 1, overseeing an extraordinary period of success since taking charge of Mercedes in 2013. However, the four seasons following the introduction of the ground-effect regulations in 2022 tested both the team and its leadership, with Wolff now admitting that he considered stepping aside on several occasions.

Speaking at the Golden Steering Wheel awards ceremony in Berlin, where he received the AUTO BILD Motorsport Award, the 54-year-old explained that his attempts to leave were repeatedly rejected by Kallenius.

"I've offered Ola my resignation several times over the past few years, but he's always said: 'You'll keep doing this,'" Wolff revealed.

Asked whether he intended to continue leading Mercedes, the Austrian responded with a joke: "Yes. Ola is forcing me to."

Wolff's journey with Mercedes began in 2013, when he joined the German manufacturer as executive director and acquired a stake in its Formula 1 operation. Having previously been involved with Williams, the Austrian arrived at Brackley as Mercedes prepared for the introduction of the turbo-hybrid regulations.

Alongside the late Niki Lauda, Wolff helped establish the foundations of what would become one of the most dominant periods in the sport's history.

Mercedes won its first Constructors' Championship in 2014, beginning an unprecedented run of eight consecutive titles that lasted until 2021. Lewis Hamilton claimed six Drivers' Championships during that period, while Nico Rosberg secured the 2016 crown following his intense rivalry with the seven-time world champion.

However, the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022 brought Mercedes' dominance to an end. The team struggled to extract performance from its ground-effect cars, with its radical zero-sidepod concept becoming one of the most recognisable symbols of its difficulties.

George Russell delivered the team's only victory of 2022 at Interlagos, while the following season marked Mercedes' first winless campaign since 2011. Although victories returned in 2024 and 2025, the Silver Arrows remained unable to mount a sustained challenge for either championship.

Between 2022 and 2025, Mercedes recorded just seven Grand Prix victories, a dramatic contrast to the dominance it had enjoyed throughout the previous regulatory era.

The difficulties also forced Wolff to reconsider his approach to leadership. Accustomed to demanding victories and championships, the Austrian found himself managing an organisation that was no longer setting the benchmark.

It was during these years that he repeatedly offered to relinquish his position, only for Källenius to insist that he remained in charge.

The arrival of another major regulation change in 2026 provided Mercedes with the opportunity to reclaim its place at the front of the grid.

This time, the German manufacturer got its preparations right. Kimi Antonelli emerged as the team's leading championship contender, eventually becoming the youngest Drivers' World Champion in Formula 1 history at the Mexican Grand Prix. One week later, Mercedes secured the Constructors' Championship in Brazil, completing its first championship double since 2020.

The success brought Wolff's tally to nine Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' titles as Mercedes team principal, equalling Frank Williams' record of nine team championships and Ron Dennis' combined total of 17 world titles.

It also vindicated Mercedes' decision to retain its team principal throughout the difficult ground-effect era, rather than making a change at the top when results were no longer meeting expectations.

Despite previously offering his resignation, Wolff has made it clear that he has no immediate intention of leaving Mercedes. However, the Austrian has already begun assessing potential successors, revealing that his responsibilities could eventually be divided between two or three people rather than handed to a single replacement. For now, he remains committed to leading the Silver Arrows following their return to championship success.