F1 | Wolff admits he had some “initial discussions” regarding the CEO role
Stefano Domenicali will be the new F1 CEO in 2021 , although for a long time Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff has been proposed as potential CEO. He also admitted that he had some “initial discussions” regarding the role. Furthermore, the German insisted that Stefano Domenicali is the perfect man and that he will fill the functions in an excellent way.
Last week it was decided who will take Chase Carey's role in Formula 1, and that is Stefano Domenicali. Vying for the position of F1 President and CEO was also involved Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss.
Wolff took part in this week's F1 Nation podcast where he was asked if he was in the running for the position of F1 CEO and he replied: “No, I didn't. I think everybody knows that there were some initial discussions with Greg [Maffei, Liberty Media CEO and President] and it never went anywhere.
“I think we get along well. I respect Greg Maffei a lot for what he has achieved but I love where I am and I found out that I love the stopwatch, so much, the competition and the racing, that where I am today, co-owner of the team with Mercedes – I have to pinch myself every day.
“And, at the end, it wouldn’t have gone anywhere anyway because Ferrari wouldn’t have accepted that.” Wolff added at the end.
In the words of the Mercedes boss there is no irony also because he was asked if he believed that Ferrari would make the venture impossible.
“No, I know that! That’s OK. They have this right and if you have that right it’s very easy to. I respected it. Absolutely. I would have probably had the same thoughts.” he said.
Wolff recalls the first meeting with Domenicali who was the Ferrari boss, in 2013, when Mercedes violated Formula 1 rules on tyre testing.
“Our first proper encounter was in Monaco, where he protested us for tyregate, so… I’m still laughing with him about that. Not sure he’s my friend actually; his first action was protesting us! Since then we’ve had a very good relationship simply because of his personality. You just have to get on with him.”
Despite all, Toto Wolff has great respect for Domenicali: “Great move from Liberty,
“I think Stefano is a foremost a man with a great personality, integrity, and knowledge of the sport. He has been a sporting director, a team principal, has gone through difficult times and through successful times. He has been involved in the Audi Formula 1 project for a while, and at the end was the guy that led Lamborghini to tremendous performances – financial performances – and also, honestly, the cars are great. And I think he’s a very, very good choice for the role.”
He was also asked if anything will change in the future regarding his current position and Wolff replied: “As for my personal situation, it’s not only about extending an employment contract – I am co-owner and co-shareholder with Daimler – it’s about finding out how we want to shape the team going forward.
“And Olla Kallenius [Daimler chairman] and I are completely aligned. It just needs to be put down on paper.” he concluded.
