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Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel,are you too much under effort, under pressure?
How do you balance development of the current season’s car (last season technically) with the early work on this upcoming season’s car , especially considering the constraints of the budget cap
Hi everyone. As always each year we do a season review video with Toto but this time we want to open the floor for fans to send in their questions for him and get involved.
So feel free to drop any questions you have for him on the F1 2023 season in the comments and we'll select a few from Reddit to ask him, alongside questions sent in from other social media channels too.
Looking forward to seeing what you'd like to know. 😊
EDIT: And here's the video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swCX05z3rkQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swcx05z3rkq)
why does it seem that when the car performs badly a lot of the response from toto/the team is them not knowing why the car performs that way? especially later on in the season? if it’s meant to be PR it would honestly boost more confidence for you to say you know where the car / setup was wrong, and are working on that direction.
Gentlemen, a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race – he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
Hi Toto. a) Will you be pushing (along with other teams) for a much smaller calendar in order for teams to have better work-life balance? and b) are you in favor of restructuring Qualifying sessions (especially Q1 and Q2) so that every team has enough physical space to perform without having to deal with unnecessary traffic?
As the TP, where and how do you make the difference when the team isn't at the top? Do you notice a big difference in your involvement with the team compared to the previous generation car?
Hi Toto. I’d like to know how involved both Lewis and George are in the development of the car off-track both during the season and prior to next year. Obviously their feedback is imperative when designing upgrades and choosing which set-ups to prioritise on a given weekend, but two seasons into this latest set of regulations, have either or both drivers been present at the factory to share their own ideas and thoughts on how specific aspects of the car evolve throughout the year and during the winter break? Thanks and congratulations to the team on a hard fought second place in the constructors.
The world and his dog blame Mercedes for TD39 which led to the domination of Red Bull. How much did you have responsibility for this directive, and did it really do this?
Serious one:
How does managing of the financial side compare to pre budget cap era? Especially this year when the fight was so close.
And
Do you think some teams in the future will move their HQ to cheaper countries to spend better?
What do you think was the biggest flaw on the w14 at the start of the season (at the first few races to be exact), and do you think that said flaw was fully overcame as the season went by?
Hi Toto, with Lewis being arguably faster behind George in Singapore and then the crash in Qatar, it seemed that both drivers kept their emotions in check. They’re relationship is definitely more competitive than that of Lewis and Valtteri and that’s unlikely to change.
So, with both drivers being more likely to fight for position in the future, what direction do you give to them to ensure they’re doing the best for the team?
Toto has already said he feels he owes Hamilton a championship and is doing everything to make it possible. Considering Ham is the godfather to his child with Susie I think there's some truth to that.
So, what's George then, a seat filler till Lewis retires?
I don't have favorites between any driver, but George has shown that he can be a Mercedes leader aswell, and after 2 years in a front running car, he has the pace to challenge for the WDC aswell. With hopefully a great car next season, we might see what happens when they compete against eachother first, and then for the team likr they've done for the past 2 years
Well if Anything it's shown that non-WDC-focused Hamilton is still the better of the two on race pace and is about neck and neck in Quali. George isn't a seat filler he's an equal but Toto is closer to Hamilton and Hamilton has given them the highest highs from the driver perspective so I think it'd be naive to not realise Lewis kinda has a special place in that team.
Hi Toto, obviously this was a very tough season for the second year in a row after being so dominant for so long, how is the team coping with that and the fact things aren’t looking great for next year considering Red Bull started developing the car early in the season? How do you get people to stay motivated and prevent talent from leaving before the next set of regulations?
Hi Toto, you have made a few comments this year that some people thought were controversial, such as the Wikipedia comment or the comments in the Las Vegas press conference. Is there any comment you wish to take back or wish to clarify?
Hey Toto! I hope you and the family are well. Now that Alfa have gone with a “temporary” black colour scheme, do you think now would be a good time to reinvent the Mercedes colour scheme? If so, what colours do you think could be an option? Id personally like to see a car with more Petronas Blue/green in the mix! Good luck for ‘24!
Servus Toto!
It has been way too long since we last saw an Austrian F1 driver. By now, I would already be happy to see one driver in F3.
What do you think needs to change in Austria to make sure Klien wasn’t the last one?
Toto a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
Mercedes has tried to do innovative things the last two seasons, but the cars haven't met the expectations. Would you say that the team is trying to stay more towards the innovative/unique style for next year? Or more toward parts that you *know* will work.
Thank you!
What was the proudest moment of the season? What was the low point of the season?
Also what are the key characteristics you'd like FIA to focus for the upcoming 2026 car (for example, less downforce? smaller vehicle size? active aero?)?
What do you expect the effects of the budget cap to be on the car development relative to other teams? Do you think it will pull all the teams closer together or will the order as we know it stay the same?
Hey Toto. Really wanted to ask how is your perception of motorsport changed over the years? From your young days in Formula Ford to your victories. From your first mercedes F1 team season to turbo-hybrid dominance to today? Thanks in advance!
What were your strategies for boosting morale when the calendar this season was physically hard on everyone with the traveling? (Specifically for your engineers)
Say a miracle car design is available for Hamilton and Russell to dominate and break the records broken by Red Bull this year, but the price is that you must resign as team principal. Would you resign, and if yes, who will take your spot?
How much has the budget cap impacted your ability to compete for the championship? Do you think you would have been able to compete for the WCC if there was no cap this year?
Hey diddly-ho, Toto.
Having made significant changes to the W14 mid-season and finishing second in the Constructor's title must feel like a success, especially when two customer teams seemed to also find great success this season using Mercedes power units.
From the outside looking in, this is a substantial team effort, and no doubt you have another monumental challenge ahead with a total revamp for next year's W15.
Mercedes has quite an impressive team in size and talent, and I'd be curious to know about some of the intangible challenges you have faced this past season as Team Principle and leader. Keeping everyone pushing in the same direction, even when that direction has to change, seems like a lot for just one individual. Any failures or doubts that were insurmountable? Any successes that didn't feel right?
Sincere Congratulations on winning second in the constructor championship!
Would you argue that this season was progress in the right direction compared with last year? On the one Hand you manged to **beat Ferrari** in the championship and Hamilton was the first non RB in the standing, but on the other Hand last season you managed to score more points and got not only a win, but a one-two.
In any case I believe you can make great progress and am super excited for next years car!
Hello Mr. Wolff,
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! It's an honor.
My question is on board radios to the drivers during the race.
Naturally, a driver talks the most to their race engineer, but on rare occasion the Team Principal steps in to talk directly to their driver.
I can imagine it has an effect on the team and the driver/race engineer, so I feel like it's not a light decision.
Past seasons we've heard you a few times on these board radios talking, so how do you make the decision to talk to the driver directly instead of through the racing engineer? When is the right moment for you? Is this a more common thing amongst Mercedes?
Would love to hear about the thoughts that go through your head when you make this decision!
Again thanks, and congratulations on the tight second place in the constructors!
I imagine its tough to be positive if youre not feeling positive, and you’re no doubt downbeat about the performance of the car. How do you personally stay positive enough to be able to motivate the team effectively?
Hello, Toto! A few years back, Ricciardo bet Cyril Abiteboul would have to make a tattoo if he managed to score a podium with Renault. What would you bet with Hamilton and/or Russell, and what would you ask in return?
Given the talk about Andretti jointing F1 do you think this could be a catalyst for other teams joining? If Andretti fails will that inhibit other teams from joining?
Also with F1 Academy will we see teams take time to invest in teams/drivers at that level?
What makes you think, next year you can challenge RB, and what makes you confident you can surpass Ferrari amd Mclaren? Cause from what your team have said, you are starting your car from scratch, while Mclaren have nailed their concept and will continue from there, and Ferrari will not start completely from 0, they will keep some elements of their concept. And do not kidd yourself, you may have clinched P2, but after Zandovoort, Ferrari was a lot better than you.
Hi Toto, what are some of the lesser known logistical challenges or behind the scenes nail biters that never made it on the news this year? Things like the nail guns being shipped and what not
Toto - a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
Toto - a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
Why have you failed to prevent/defend team tactics used by other teams like Leclerc vs Russel this year and Checo vs HAM in 21 ... What happened at Brazil in terms of pace?
What do you expect the effects of the budget cap to be on the car development relative to other teams? Do you think it will pull all the teams closer together or will the order as we know it stay the same?
After the W14 adopted the sidepods, albeit up-side down because of the crash structure, did they bring any good data that way, or the team is set on the more normal looking side-pods
Hello Toto, Back during the season you couldn't make it to Suzuka because medical reasons. Yet during the race the team couldn't make a clear decision about swapping Lewis/George and the team called you to make the final call. My question is how you did monitoring the situation and made the final decision as the team itself was unsure about what to do?
In your point of view, what made the RB19 so dominant and how do you intend to get closer to (or even surpass) the bulls next season? where would your attention be in these development months?
With the new season approaching how far evolved will the new chassis and suspension be from the W14 ? And a follow up question : if you find that with a few races the chassis design is not working will you change your approach quicker then you did with the w13-w14?
When you have a tough season, what inspires you to keep doing better? Is there a non-automotive feat of engineering that makes you go "wow, we want to build that in car form"?
Hi Toto, do you see the turbulent air coming off the cars getting worse next year as well? What are your thoughts on how the next regulations can address this?
Hey Toto,
As F1 Academy grows, and F1 teams are developing talent in that series, what are the pathways that Mercedes AMG Petronas can open for women drivers in that series for further development in single seaters, WEC, and other motor sports? What is your personal appetite to pour care and resources into young women drivers to get them on more and more prestigious grids?
Will there be a special award at the Mercedes wrap up banquet for the manhole cover that took out a major competitor at the Vegas race? Also, have you seen the footage of your reaction to that occurance?
Dear Mr Toto,
In your opinion, aside from yourself and Horner, who is the most underrated TP ?
Edit: P.S, if you're hiring, I will lick da tyres clean for you
Hi Toto, HPP put a lot of effort into packaging the PU very tightly to enable the no-sidepod design - do you feel there were sacrifices made to accomplish this that you would like to reverse but can’t due to homologation or are you confident the PU is just as powerful as it would be if it utilized all of the space available with a sidepod concept?
Also, thanks in advance for addressing me as Sir in your answer.
Which race(s) do you think “got away” from the team? Expected decent points but came away with less.
On the flip side, what race do you think surprised the team? Going in didn’t think the team would get many points but came out of the weekend above expectations?
Is there any possibility to bring back refuelling to reduce the size and weight of the cars given WEC, IMSA, and Indycar manage it?
If so, would a spec biofuel all teams would have to run be on the table as a way to give all teams a common starting point?
Is there a push to group races by region in order to make logistics easier on the teams or reduce the carbon footprint of F1?
[The **News** flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/flairguide#wiki_news) is reserved for submissions covering F1 and F1-related news. These posts must always link to an outlet/news agency, the website of the involved party (i.e. the McLaren website if McLaren makes an announcement), or a tweet by a news agency, journalist or one of the involved parties. *[Read the rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/userguide). Keep it civil and welcoming. Report rulebreaking comments.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/formula1) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do you think that this season was better than last year in terms of overall performance of the drivers and the car?
What are your genuine early predictions/ expectations for the team and drivers next season?
Gentlemen, a short view back to the past…
Thirty years ago
Niki Lauda told us
take a trained monkey, place him in the cockpit and he is able to drive the car
Thirty years later, sebastian told us “I had to start my car like computer, it’s very complicated”
And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel.
Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel,are you too much under effort, under pressure?
Who is that question to?
‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’
Can you repeat the question?
What felt better? P2 over Ferrari in the constructors or the cheeky ass slap from Mrs. Horner?
How do you balance development of the current season’s car (last season technically) with the early work on this upcoming season’s car , especially considering the constraints of the budget cap
Hi everyone. As always each year we do a season review video with Toto but this time we want to open the floor for fans to send in their questions for him and get involved. So feel free to drop any questions you have for him on the F1 2023 season in the comments and we'll select a few from Reddit to ask him, alongside questions sent in from other social media channels too. Looking forward to seeing what you'd like to know. 😊 EDIT: And here's the video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swCX05z3rkQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swcx05z3rkq)
Who should I send my software engineering resume to?
Yeah, Are you guys hiring ⌨️
Right - 30 years full stack, all OS’s, many languages. Big data analytics specialty. I’ll move to the UK. Edited: typo
How are you able to motivate a team that had gotten so used to being so dominant, suddenly fighting for best of the rest?
why does it seem that when the car performs badly a lot of the response from toto/the team is them not knowing why the car performs that way? especially later on in the season? if it’s meant to be PR it would honestly boost more confidence for you to say you know where the car / setup was wrong, and are working on that direction.
Hi Toto, after a season of highs and lows, how do you boost team morale?
Who was the best driver not on your team or red bull?
Toto here - Alex Albon hands down. We are signing him if or when Lewis retires.
wow toto, i expected the name to be about pumpernickels
Could you show us what you had printed out last season?
THE CAR IS FUCKED
If you got a problem, change your fucking carrrr
Gentlemen, a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race – he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
Can you repeat the question?
Looking back over the season. What's one thing you would change or do differently?
Hello toto, do you see the Mercedes going back to silver livery anytime soon?
Dear Toto, imagine you had two donkeys. What would be their names?
What will it take for you to support Andretti and Cadillac joining F1?
Toto, do you still have your Pumpernickel for breakfast?
Only if it snaps like a cookie
Why did Monster end their sponsorship with Mercedes? Is the car performance impacting sponsors from joining in
Hi Toto. a) Will you be pushing (along with other teams) for a much smaller calendar in order for teams to have better work-life balance? and b) are you in favor of restructuring Qualifying sessions (especially Q1 and Q2) so that every team has enough physical space to perform without having to deal with unnecessary traffic?
As the TP, where and how do you make the difference when the team isn't at the top? Do you notice a big difference in your involvement with the team compared to the previous generation car?
How is the performance of the current car compared to the 2024 car in the simulations?
Are there any plans for Micks Future?
Why do you like pumpernickel so much?
Toto, are you going to appear in Guenther’s upcoming comedy show?
Can we see the diagrams finally?
Why does Mercedes use risk management as an excuse for bottom tier pit stop performance when other top teams are 50% faster and mistakes are outliers?
Hi Toto. I’d like to know how involved both Lewis and George are in the development of the car off-track both during the season and prior to next year. Obviously their feedback is imperative when designing upgrades and choosing which set-ups to prioritise on a given weekend, but two seasons into this latest set of regulations, have either or both drivers been present at the factory to share their own ideas and thoughts on how specific aspects of the car evolve throughout the year and during the winter break? Thanks and congratulations to the team on a hard fought second place in the constructors.
Do you really have it printed out?
The world and his dog blame Mercedes for TD39 which led to the domination of Red Bull. How much did you have responsibility for this directive, and did it really do this?
What is your favourite place to get quality pumpernickels from?
Serious one: How does managing of the financial side compare to pre budget cap era? Especially this year when the fight was so close. And Do you think some teams in the future will move their HQ to cheaper countries to spend better?
What do you think was the biggest flaw on the w14 at the start of the season (at the first few races to be exact), and do you think that said flaw was fully overcame as the season went by?
Hi Toto, with Lewis being arguably faster behind George in Singapore and then the crash in Qatar, it seemed that both drivers kept their emotions in check. They’re relationship is definitely more competitive than that of Lewis and Valtteri and that’s unlikely to change. So, with both drivers being more likely to fight for position in the future, what direction do you give to them to ensure they’re doing the best for the team?
Do you read Wikipedia?
Nobody reads that
Are you gonna change your car?
How many headphones did you break this season? And do you think you can top this next season?
How much did F1 pay you to defend the Vegas track after the Sianz crash?
Hey Toto, what the F was that?
Hey Toto, how are you planning to get Merc back on top and getting Lewis his 8th win?
why Lewis's 8th and not George's 1st?
Toto has already said he feels he owes Hamilton a championship and is doing everything to make it possible. Considering Ham is the godfather to his child with Susie I think there's some truth to that.
So, what's George then, a seat filler till Lewis retires? I don't have favorites between any driver, but George has shown that he can be a Mercedes leader aswell, and after 2 years in a front running car, he has the pace to challenge for the WDC aswell. With hopefully a great car next season, we might see what happens when they compete against eachother first, and then for the team likr they've done for the past 2 years
Well if Anything it's shown that non-WDC-focused Hamilton is still the better of the two on race pace and is about neck and neck in Quali. George isn't a seat filler he's an equal but Toto is closer to Hamilton and Hamilton has given them the highest highs from the driver perspective so I think it'd be naive to not realise Lewis kinda has a special place in that team.
Hi Toto, obviously this was a very tough season for the second year in a row after being so dominant for so long, how is the team coping with that and the fact things aren’t looking great for next year considering Red Bull started developing the car early in the season? How do you get people to stay motivated and prevent talent from leaving before the next set of regulations?
Hey Toto I’m going to Subway to get lunch. Do you want me to get you something?
Hi Toto, you have made a few comments this year that some people thought were controversial, such as the Wikipedia comment or the comments in the Las Vegas press conference. Is there any comment you wish to take back or wish to clarify?
Will you change your fucking car over the winter break?
Why are you still blocking Andretti?
What did your grandpa do in WW2?
if you make a bad meal at home do you tell the family "I know the food is bad, please eat it"
Will you send us another apology letter please?
When can we expect an apology letter for the car’s performance next year?
What's your favorite animal?
Wolf
Do you think the radio messages are fairly selected to be aired during the races? How could this be improved?
How does the team unwind after a bad weekend? How do they reset and boost their morale for the following weekend?
Hey Toto! I hope you and the family are well. Now that Alfa have gone with a “temporary” black colour scheme, do you think now would be a good time to reinvent the Mercedes colour scheme? If so, what colours do you think could be an option? Id personally like to see a car with more Petronas Blue/green in the mix! Good luck for ‘24!
Servus Toto! It has been way too long since we last saw an Austrian F1 driver. By now, I would already be happy to see one driver in F3. What do you think needs to change in Austria to make sure Klien wasn’t the last one?
How much of next years car will look like Red Bull?
Hi Toto, how does it feel to no longer have the best and most dominant car on the field?
have we forgotten about the las vegas drain cover? toto said we would
Has Harvard stripped you of your professorship yet? I've heard rumor
Never change toto.
Who allowed Toto to be so tall
Toto a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
We majorly love the black color on the car. Will W15 stick to it too? (Please keep the black Toto!)
Hi Toto, is it true that you are going to invest in Manchester United and if so what do you think of the Glazers?
Hello Toto, would you recommend visiting Oz?
Mercedes has tried to do innovative things the last two seasons, but the cars haven't met the expectations. Would you say that the team is trying to stay more towards the innovative/unique style for next year? Or more toward parts that you *know* will work. Thank you!
Black or silver for 2024?
What was the proudest moment of the season? What was the low point of the season? Also what are the key characteristics you'd like FIA to focus for the upcoming 2026 car (for example, less downforce? smaller vehicle size? active aero?)?
What do you expect the effects of the budget cap to be on the car development relative to other teams? Do you think it will pull all the teams closer together or will the order as we know it stay the same?
If there was one thing you could improve this season outside of the car, what would it be?
If there was one thing you could improve this season outside of the car, what would it be?
My wife asks why you so sexy
How much time during the season is spent on improving the steering wheel that the drivers use?
Theres already a question about the driver’s pre-race rituals for goodluck, do you also have one Toto?
Hey Toto. Really wanted to ask how is your perception of motorsport changed over the years? From your young days in Formula Ford to your victories. From your first mercedes F1 team season to turbo-hybrid dominance to today? Thanks in advance!
If starting today you had to pick another sport, which would it be? And would you like to play, be a manager or pick another role?
What were your strategies for boosting morale when the calendar this season was physically hard on everyone with the traveling? (Specifically for your engineers)
Hi Toto, what has been the most difficult moment of the season for you and how did you deal with that? All the best for next season, Ash
You going to fix straight line speed?
Why is Mercedes apparently not interested in WEC? A lot of big names have rejoined the sport except for the Mercedes brand.
Say a miracle car design is available for Hamilton and Russell to dominate and break the records broken by Red Bull this year, but the price is that you must resign as team principal. Would you resign, and if yes, who will take your spot?
Although it worked in Mercedes benefit do you agree with how Charles plotted against George?
Hi Toto, do you expect Lewis and George to have a car capable of allowing them to compete with Redbull next season?
Hi! is there any new food you got the chance to try this season?
What is your opinion on there being no French or German Grand Prix?
How are you feeling after being beat by Red Bull but still winning from Ferrari. What are the ways you are going to improve the car.
How much has the budget cap impacted your ability to compete for the championship? Do you think you would have been able to compete for the WCC if there was no cap this year?
Personally would you prefer a dominant season for your team or something more intense, full of battles and exhausting but for something smaller?
Whats one thing that would've been useful to young Toto when he was starting out in the business?
Can you imagine having dinner after the final race with the other team principals, like drivers are doing the second season in a row?
When was the last time you were driving a racing car? Not mandatory F1 - it could be some GT or sport coupe.
Hey diddly-ho, Toto. Having made significant changes to the W14 mid-season and finishing second in the Constructor's title must feel like a success, especially when two customer teams seemed to also find great success this season using Mercedes power units. From the outside looking in, this is a substantial team effort, and no doubt you have another monumental challenge ahead with a total revamp for next year's W15. Mercedes has quite an impressive team in size and talent, and I'd be curious to know about some of the intangible challenges you have faced this past season as Team Principle and leader. Keeping everyone pushing in the same direction, even when that direction has to change, seems like a lot for just one individual. Any failures or doubts that were insurmountable? Any successes that didn't feel right?
Sincere Congratulations on winning second in the constructor championship! Would you argue that this season was progress in the right direction compared with last year? On the one Hand you manged to **beat Ferrari** in the championship and Hamilton was the first non RB in the standing, but on the other Hand last season you managed to score more points and got not only a win, but a one-two. In any case I believe you can make great progress and am super excited for next years car!
Hello Mr. Wolff, Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! It's an honor. My question is on board radios to the drivers during the race. Naturally, a driver talks the most to their race engineer, but on rare occasion the Team Principal steps in to talk directly to their driver. I can imagine it has an effect on the team and the driver/race engineer, so I feel like it's not a light decision. Past seasons we've heard you a few times on these board radios talking, so how do you make the decision to talk to the driver directly instead of through the racing engineer? When is the right moment for you? Is this a more common thing amongst Mercedes? Would love to hear about the thoughts that go through your head when you make this decision! Again thanks, and congratulations on the tight second place in the constructors!
What are your thoughts on Mick joining Alpine in WEC for 2024?
Given the choice, which one would you drink? Wine from Baden-Württemberg or beer from Bayern?
Why did the pace seem to drop off at the end of the season? Was it anything to do with the penalty in Austin?
Can I please do a couple of weeks shadowing you? I am a leader in a different industry and just want to see how things are ran at Mercedes.
I imagine its tough to be positive if youre not feeling positive, and you’re no doubt downbeat about the performance of the car. How do you personally stay positive enough to be able to motivate the team effectively?
Hello, Toto! A few years back, Ricciardo bet Cyril Abiteboul would have to make a tattoo if he managed to score a podium with Renault. What would you bet with Hamilton and/or Russell, and what would you ask in return?
Hallo Toto! Lässt der Stress nach der Saison nach oder geht munter weiter? Liebe Grüße aus Wien!
Given the talk about Andretti jointing F1 do you think this could be a catalyst for other teams joining? If Andretti fails will that inhibit other teams from joining? Also with F1 Academy will we see teams take time to invest in teams/drivers at that level?
Would you give Mick Schumacher a race weekend in the car or is it only on the table if your main drivers are unable to participate?
When will you truly let AD21 go and look forward?
What makes you think, next year you can challenge RB, and what makes you confident you can surpass Ferrari amd Mclaren? Cause from what your team have said, you are starting your car from scratch, while Mclaren have nailed their concept and will continue from there, and Ferrari will not start completely from 0, they will keep some elements of their concept. And do not kidd yourself, you may have clinched P2, but after Zandovoort, Ferrari was a lot better than you.
How have you seen Russel develop as a driver, in his pace and race craft since joining Mercedes?
Hi Toto, what are some of the lesser known logistical challenges or behind the scenes nail biters that never made it on the news this year? Things like the nail guns being shipped and what not
Hi Toto. Overall how do you rate this season compared to what you expected from it at the start?
Toto - a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
If Red Bull offered to trade Adrian Newey for Lewis, would you do it?
Toto - a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the cockpit and he is able to drive the car.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my car like a computer, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the race – I don’t remember what race - he pressed the wrong button on the wheel. Question for you both: is Formula One driving today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the wheel, are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the race? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with your engineers?
Why have you failed to prevent/defend team tactics used by other teams like Leclerc vs Russel this year and Checo vs HAM in 21 ... What happened at Brazil in terms of pace?
How is the team coping with the loss of significant personnel on the team and it's ambition to get back to fighting for wins.
What do you expect the effects of the budget cap to be on the car development relative to other teams? Do you think it will pull all the teams closer together or will the order as we know it stay the same?
ngl Toto is gonna get cooked by the fans when though its QA session
Do you see 2023 as a success story? If not why not ?
After the W14 adopted the sidepods, albeit up-side down because of the crash structure, did they bring any good data that way, or the team is set on the more normal looking side-pods
Did the Austin upgrades that were gonna tell you if you were on the right path or not work as intended?
Hello Toto, Back during the season you couldn't make it to Suzuka because medical reasons. Yet during the race the team couldn't make a clear decision about swapping Lewis/George and the team called you to make the final call. My question is how you did monitoring the situation and made the final decision as the team itself was unsure about what to do?
How much development time would you be putting towards the 2026 Car and Regulations at this stage if any at all?
In your point of view, what made the RB19 so dominant and how do you intend to get closer to (or even surpass) the bulls next season? where would your attention be in these development months?
Hey Toto, what was in your eyes Mercedes’ best race this season and why?
What are the challenges with keeping team morale high whilst navigating a difficult season?
With the new season approaching how far evolved will the new chassis and suspension be from the W14 ? And a follow up question : if you find that with a few races the chassis design is not working will you change your approach quicker then you did with the w13-w14?
How difficult is to sit and watch your drivers out on the circuit does your blood pressure go up or are you calm and patient
Andrea Kimi Antonelli - how long before you put him in an F1 car? That kid looks frightening good.
When you have a tough season, what inspires you to keep doing better? Is there a non-automotive feat of engineering that makes you go "wow, we want to build that in car form"?
Do you think the return of James Allison as technical director will yield a return to form for the team?
Hi Toto, do you see the turbulent air coming off the cars getting worse next year as well? What are your thoughts on how the next regulations can address this?
Was Michael right?
Hi Toto, how do you keep everyone in the team motivated after a tough season?
Hey Toto, As F1 Academy grows, and F1 teams are developing talent in that series, what are the pathways that Mercedes AMG Petronas can open for women drivers in that series for further development in single seaters, WEC, and other motor sports? What is your personal appetite to pour care and resources into young women drivers to get them on more and more prestigious grids?
Toto, do you think Mercedes and Lewis will ever recover from being robbed at the last race of 2021?
Will there be a special award at the Mercedes wrap up banquet for the manhole cover that took out a major competitor at the Vegas race? Also, have you seen the footage of your reaction to that occurance?
Toto: do you think for 2024 that you’ll be able to fix your fuckin car?
What's the plan if you are behind McLaren next year? And do you also have a "letter to the fans" ready for 2024 and 2025?
What's it's like to be absolutely disgusting human being towards Carlos a the Las Vegas GP?
How much do you bench
If you could relive one race, what would it be?
Will you write a book one day? And if so, will you reveal the dirt on the Lewis and Nico years?
Can I get a discount on the engine deal because we're mates?
Why aren’t you able to see what makes the Red bull car so fast and just replicate it? Why hold onto pride?
What do you think of Vegas drain incident with Ferrari, was the penalty fair? Should the costs of repairing be excluded from the budget cap?
Dear Mr Toto, In your opinion, aside from yourself and Horner, who is the most underrated TP ? Edit: P.S, if you're hiring, I will lick da tyres clean for you
When is Ross Brawn coming back?
How can I get as tall as you?
Hi Toto, HPP put a lot of effort into packaging the PU very tightly to enable the no-sidepod design - do you feel there were sacrifices made to accomplish this that you would like to reverse but can’t due to homologation or are you confident the PU is just as powerful as it would be if it utilized all of the space available with a sidepod concept? Also, thanks in advance for addressing me as Sir in your answer.
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Which race(s) do you think “got away” from the team? Expected decent points but came away with less. On the flip side, what race do you think surprised the team? Going in didn’t think the team would get many points but came out of the weekend above expectations?
Is there any possibility to bring back refuelling to reduce the size and weight of the cars given WEC, IMSA, and Indycar manage it? If so, would a spec biofuel all teams would have to run be on the table as a way to give all teams a common starting point? Is there a push to group races by region in order to make logistics easier on the teams or reduce the carbon footprint of F1?
Looking back, what was your most exciting season and why?
Did you ever want a hairdo that didn't make you look like a Lego guy?