Toto Wolff Revives 'Drive to Survive' Banter, Reflects on Horner and Paddock Race

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently revisited his famous "change the f****** car" exchange from Netflix's Drive to Survive, lightheartedly acknowledging its relevance amid Mercedes' recent struggles. In a new interview, Wolff also shared his respect for Christian Horner following his hypothetical exit from Red Bull and confidently predicted his own victory in a fictional team principal race.

Why it matters:

Wolff's candid and often sharp remarks have made him a central figure in F1's off-track drama, particularly his long-standing rivalry with Christian Horner. His recent comments offer a glimpse into the ongoing competitive spirit and mutual respect (sometimes veiled) among F1's top brass, even as Mercedes navigates a challenging period under new regulations. This maintains the engaging human element that fans often seek beyond the racing itself.

The Details:

• 'Change the f**** car': During a recent interview with Daniel Mac at the Autosport Business Exchange New York, Wolff was asked if anyone else had since told him to "change the f**** car" – a direct callback to Christian Horner's famous line in Drive to Survive.
• Wolff responded, "Only one guy has ever asked me to. You’re number two, but you know, only one guy so far and probably he was right," joking about Mercedes' difficulties since the 2022 regulation changes.
• Horner's Hypothetical Exit: Wolff expressed respect for Christian Horner, even speculating about his future if he were to leave Red Bull, stating, "First of all, I don't think he's gone forever. I think he's gonna pop up in some kind of other faction. I need to be careful. He could be rocking up in the FIA and then I'm really in the s****, you never know!"
• He also acknowledged Horner's polarizing but entertaining presence, adding that his "track record speaks for itself" and he would be missed from an entertainment perspective.
• Team Principal Race: When asked who would win a race if all F1 team principals competed in equal cars, Wolff confidently proclaimed he would win.
  • He playfully dismissed the driving skills of his counterparts, stating, "They all, they cannot drive cars properly. They do this kind of show outings, whatever… so I guess I’m going to win that one."
  • He predicted McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown would finish second, with his former protégé, Williams chief James Vowles, taking third place.

Between the lines:

Wolff's comments highlight the dual nature of his role: a fierce competitor on the track and an engaging personality off it. His ability to deliver a spicy soundbite while still conveying a degree of professional respect, even for rivals like Horner, underscores the complex dynamics within the F1 paddock. The playful jabs also serve to maintain fan engagement, adding a layer of personality to the often technical world of Formula 1.

What's next:

While the banter is entertaining, Mercedes' focus remains firmly on improving their performance on track. Wolff's lighthearted remarks about the car and his rivals come at a time when the team is actively working to close the gap to frontrunners. The true test for Wolff and Mercedes will be translating these behind-the-scenes insights into on-track success in the coming seasons.