Wolff: Källenius keeps forcing me to stay at Mercedes

Toto Wolff says he has offered to step down as Mercedes team principal several times, but chairman Ola Källenius keeps insisting he stays. With Mercedes back on top in 2026, Wolff has no plan to call it a day.

Why it matters:

Wolff remains central to Mercedes’ modern era as co-owner and team principal. The Silver Arrows have returned to title-winning form, with Kimi Antonelli clinching the drivers’ crown earlier this month and the constructors’ championship already secured. His continuity matters as F1 leadership moves toward split roles.

The details:

• Wolff told Bild that Källenius “is forcing me” to continue: “I’ve offered to step down several times over the last few years, but he’s always said: ‘You’re carrying on.’”
• He asks himself daily whether he still contributes and enjoys the job. If someone could do better, he would step aside.
• Wolff expects his future role to look different, with deputy team principal Bradley Lord already taking on more responsibility.

What’s next:

Mercedes can complete a drivers’ one-two if George Russell finishes second behind Antonelli. With three rounds left, Russell trails Max Verstappen by 17 points for P2. Wolff’s focus is on that final push—and extending Mercedes’ new winning run.