Formula 1 business news just got hotter! Toto Wolff, the man who has been the brain and heart behind Mercedes’ incredible F1 success for years, is in talks to sell part of his shareholding in the Mercedes Formula 1 team. And guess what? This deal values Mercedes at a massive £4.6 billion. Yes, you heard that right, that’s a record valuation for any F1 team ever.
Who Is Toto Wolff And Why Is He Selling Mercedes Stakes?
For those who don’t know, Toto Wolff isn’t just the team principal and CEO; he’s one of the owners too. He currently holds a one-third stake in Mercedes alongside Mercedes-Benz and chemicals giant INEOS, each owning an equal share. Now, Wolff is reportedly looking to sell a small chunk, around 5% of his 33% holding. This move doesn’t mean he’s stepping away from the team; far from it. He will stay fully in charge, guiding Mercedes on both the business and racing fronts.
Why sell now? Well, the numbers look too good to ignore. The valuation of £4.6 billion (or about $6 billion) shows how much Formula 1 has evolved from just a sport into a booming global business. Back in 2022, when INEOS bought their third of the shares, the valuation was just £208 million. Now, it’s skyrocketed, driven by new financial rules, growing audiences, and big commercial deals. F1 is no longer just about cars going fast; the teams are blue-chip assets attracting serious investors.
So, if Wolff sells this stake, he could potentially pocket up to £250 million while still keeping about 28% ownership. This means he retains full operational control with his contracts as CEO and team principal firmly in place. The governance of the team won’t change, and all partners remain committed to keeping Mercedes at the top.
Mercedes: A Powerhouse Of Formula 1
Mercedes has been a dominant force in F1 over the last decade, winning eight constructors’ championships and nine drivers’ titles, with legends like Lewis Hamilton and now rising stars such as George Russell driving for them. They are currently second in the 2025 constructors’ championship, showing they’re still fighting for glory.
This deal not only reflects Toto Wolff’s smart business sense but also the maturity of Formula 1 as a sport and industry. Selling a piece now isn’t about stepping back; it’s about seizing an opportunity, securing financial strength, and preparing for whatever the future has in store, including the big regulation changes expected in 2026.
So, keep your eyes on the track and on the business world, because this is one exciting chapter in Formula 1 history!
Also read: Top 4 Worst Formula 1 Crashes Based On G-Forces Experienced
