Toto Wolff Exclusive: The Full Story Of Lewis Hamilton's Exit, Verstappen Rivalry & My Childhood

We welcome back Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, to High Performance. Filmed at the team’s headquarters, Jake sits down with Toto to uncover the story behind his journey, the challenges of leadership at the top of F1, and the personal experiences that have shaped him into the leader he is today.

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In this episode, Toto opens up about his close bond with Lewis Hamilton, from the early days of their partnership to pivotal moments that have tested their relationship, including Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes and the challenges that followed. He also reflects on the intense 2021 season, discussing how Hamilton coped with the pressures and how it shaped Mercedes’ strategy moving forward.

Beyond F1, Toto dives into his own journey, revealing how a challenging upbringing and his father’s illness fostered his resilience and emotional intelligence. He speaks openly about the role of therapy and the importance of empathy in his leadership style, which he’s continually refined to create a culture that values every individual’s best at Mercedes.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1, highlighting the human side of a high-stakes sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity.

Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane is available now:

0:00 Introduction
1:05 Lewis Hamilton Departure
4:53 Kimi Antonelli
7:23 Childhood Struggles
14:37 Getting Therapy
23:13 Moment Of Enlightenment
25:11 2021 Season
33:36 Creating a Winning Culture
37:08 The Biggest Lesson
44:29 Controlling The Anger
48:15 Forcing High Performance
51:06 Red Bull Relationship
56:50 Lewis Hamilton's Secret
1:04:25 Signing Max Verstappen?
1:06:59 Quick-Fire Questions

#HighPerformance #TotoWolff #Mercedes #Formula1

[druklk]

Wow, I give Toto a lot of credit for opening up and talking about his depression and how he overcame it. Many of us see successful people and think their lives are perfect, but we have all been through something in our lives. Thank you, Toto, for sharing.

[Sticktothemodels]

Having to act an adult at 10-12 years old as a coping mechanism for survival. Pressure makes diamonds but it can also burst pipes. Salute to Toto for his strength & perseverance

[alexandar]

Toto saying "Have less troubles ahead than in my past" regarding his age blew my mind ... what a mindset

[scaho]

Even though I'm not the biggest fan of Mercedes, I have the deepest respect for Toto, man is honestly more than fantastic at his job.

[Ranga_Supremacy]

Woah… I couldn’t believe I’ve had such a similar youth to Toto while simultaneously thinking “I could never be as successful as Toto”. This podcast has given me more self belief than any physiological health advice.

[luvyarora]

We blame the problem, not the person. What a line. True leader. Need to make it into a poster

[channaduminda]

I got so emotional watching this. One reason I had difficult childhood and mentally went through (and still going through) similar mental breakdowns, downs. Also because of Lewis and Toto are my favourite people. And understanding they went through tough times like this.

Thank you so much for doing this podcast. I will rewatch it again once my emotions calm down. 🙏

[eectroniKa]

This was an amazing interview from Toto. He's so right about so many things, he's distilled the knocks life throws down perfectly

[jacquibarratt]

Thoroughly enjoyed this podcast and could listen to Toto for hours

[abbasrizvi]

I don't think any F1 boss has invested more of himself into the team as Toto has. He is truly a boss you wanna work for.

[cm-klwx]

One of the best interviews I've experienced...great questions along with thoughtful and honest answers...best wishes to you both...

[Anita___Y]

Thank you Toto. Can’t imagine what it’s like to be you for just one day! You handle it with strength and class.

[raymondgrieger]

Worlds of respect for Toto! A real role model for young men.

[filipes.]

Thank you Totto for sharing your actual thoughts, actual feelings and actual advice to anyone listening 💪. As a man listening to your words made me proud to see you as a great human being in this world that can actually open up and be a good human 👏

[MatthewsSoloChannel-fu]

This is so inspirational, I have to say I feel the same way all the time, worst case scenario all the time, so heartwarming that a man like Toto thinks like me

[Tacoplane]

I’m going to print out the transcript of this podcast

[smartrn]

A lot of respect for Toto. A real Man. Great interview - cheers to both of you.

[viorelborgovan]

Props to Jake for being so well prepared and so emphatic, he's such a great interview partner!!!

[karanshah]

Incredible conversation! Really changed my view on Toto after these last few years. Really inspiring and he definitely makes you feel human and that we all go through shit in life regardless & that’s okay! Amazing!

[codex]

Toto opening up about his past shows confidence and him reflecting on his past shows just how much self development he has undergone. Huge respect for toto.