Wolff, Lauda to take Mercedes F1 stake

Mercedes confirms details of Toto Wolff's new position at the head of its motorsport arm
23.09.2011- Mercedes-Bens
23.09.2011- Mercedes-Bens
© PHOTO 4

Toto Wolff's move fro🅷m Williams to Mercedes will see the Austrian take a financial stake in the Brackley-based team as well as inheriting the role of executive dirꦡector.

With Williams having already confirmed Wolff's exit, M🥀ercedes announced the details of his new position at the head of its motorsport arm, revealing that it was part of Daimler's plan to reorganise its F1 activities.

The parent company has signed a letter of intent with Wolff, who it describes as an 'investor and motorsport manager', confirming that the Austrian will acquire a significant minority interest in Mercedes♕-Benz Grand Prix Ltd and will al⛦so head that company as its executive director. Wolff will join Ross Brawn and Niki Lauda to complete the management team heading up the F1 operation, with the three-time world champion also taking a stake in the company.

"As an entrepreneur, investor and motorsport manager, Toto Wolff has proven that this sport runs in his blood [but], at the same time, he is also well aware of the economic necessities of the business," Daimler chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche explained, "With [him], we have gai🌃ned for our F1 team not 🐻only an experienced motorsport specialist, but also a longstanding enthusiast of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

"Together with him and Niki Lauda, we wi🔴ll further develop our motorsport activities and guide our Silver Arrows into the next era."

As well as his F1 responsibilities, Wolff will take over the complete coordination of all Mercedes-Benz motorsport activities, ಞiꦑncluding its flagship DTM involvement and other interests in F3 and beyond.

"Mercedes is one of the most important participants in motorsport worldwide, and I am not only a big fan, but also a longstanding friend and enthusiast of ꧃the brand," the Austrian commented, "I am looking forward to the challenge and, along with preparing for a successful racing season, also want to focus on the targeted promotion of new talent.

"I am leaving Williams on good terms and I will miss the team and friends I have made there. I'd also𝕴 like to wish Fr𝐆ank and the whole of Williams the best of luck for the future."

Wolff will retain his 19 per cent stake in the Williams F1 operation, and wife Susie𓄧 is expected to remain on the Grove team's development squad. Sources cla♋im he is in line for 30 per cent stake in Mercedes' F1 operation, while Lauda takes a ten per cent involvement.

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