F1 News: Toto Wolff Under Scrutiny By Insider - "Expect Him To Step Up"
In a recent analysis, Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz pointed out Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff's responsibility in retaining the 'zeropod' car concept for 2023, a move that has not paid off for the team. Despite the Brackley-based squad's efforts, they have endured a challenging season, leading to significant changes in their approach and personnel.
Key Takeaways
- Wolff's Role in 'Zeropod' Decision: Toto Wolff's decision to stick with the 'zeropod' concept has been a critical factor in Mercedes' struggles. The team's lack of wins this season is a stark contrast to their previous dominance.
- Impact of Technical Choices: The choice to keep the controversial car design was questioned by many, including Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz, who expressed surprise at Wolff's public dismissal of the concept after poor results in Bahrain. This decision has had a lasting impact on the team's performance.
- Personnel Changes: Amid the team's challenges, James Allison has returned as Technical Director, and Mike Elliott has left the team. This reshuffle reflects the team's efforts to recover from recent setbacks.
Mercedes' bold design choice with the W13 car, featuring the 'zero sidepod' design, saw its performance hindered by many issues including porpoising. Despite a promising 1-2 finish in Brazil in 2022, the team's overall performance failed to meet expectations, leading to a winless season in 2023 - their first since 2011.
Kravitz criticised Wolff's handling of the situation, particularly his hasty public rejection of the car concept following a disappointing qualifying session in Bahrain. He said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast:
“The only thing I’d mark him down on was his keenness to throw the concept away so publicly after qualifying in Bahrain.
“We don’t really know why he did sign off on the ‘sister of the bad car’, which is how Lewis Hamilton described it. W14 was the sister of W13 and they were both not great cars.
“Toto must have signed it off. As a leader, he could have said: ‘I disagree, let’s go with the Red Bull concept.’ But whatever reason they didn’t.
“He signed it off and then [after] that very first [qualifying] session – I remember the interview vividly – coming out so strongly and it took me aback when he said it.
“He said this car is weak. It’s bad. This was after qualifying. The first race.
“I know he was right, but to immediately throw the whole concept in the trash can then was the only [reason] I’m slightly thinking that it wasn’t quite the calm, assured Toto leadership that we’ve seen.”
Mercedes saw a significant change in their technical leadership during 2023. James Allison resumed the role of Technical Director as Mike Elliott left the team. Kravitz suggested that this move was orchestrated by Wolff but presented differently to the public. He added:
“[Wolff] saw that he made [Elliott and Allison] agree between themselves.
“As far as the public image was concerned, it was all Mike Elliott’s idea to step back as Technical Director, then go to Chief Technical Officer and then go to pastures new.
“With that all resolved James Allison really will step up. You’d expect him to step up.
“I think Toto has probably learned a lot from these two unsuccessful seasons, one win in two seasons.
“He’s got his failings, Toto Wolff, and maybe not being reactive is one of them.
“But you’ve got to say that he’s got his strengths and the recent issues with the FIA has shown that Toto’s not afraid to fight for himself, for his family and for his team.”