“I can step back from this madness” – Who will replace Toto Wolff as Mercedes team principal, as the Austrian reveals a candidate who declined his offer?
Toto Wolff is now a 1/3rd stakeholder in the Mercedes F1 team, and as such, is super keen to step down from his role as team principal. But he has made the revelation that his prime candidate has already rejected the succession offer: James Allison.
The new role of James Allison looks a bit like a holding position to me, from where he can step up to the team principle role when Toto Wolff decides to leave his post. But that’s just speculation of course. #AMuS #F1
— Tobi Grüner 🏁 (@tgruener) April 9, 2021
Allison, currently the Technical Director, will be the first CTO of the motorsport division, instead.
“James and I speak multiple times every single day and we are totally coordinated on the strategic direction of Mercedes Motorsport and Mercedes Grand Prix.
“James is obviously a huge asset to the team, not only as a brilliant engineer but also as a leader. He has a good understanding and an overview of what is happening in Formula 1 beyond the technical space.
“He is a sparring partner of mine when it comes down to strategic discussions, political discussions and he is getting more involved also with the other departments and racing programs that we have.
“So, much earlier than before we decided the CTO role, it must have been a year or two ago, we discussed the future of the team principal role in Mercedes. He made it very clear it was not for him.
“Since then, obviously, I am thinking and I am looking and I am observing what is happening out there and who is doing a good job so finally I can step back from this madness.”
