“I don’t think 15 people and one seat will be enough to be competitive”– Toto Wolff on Red Bull poaching ex-Mercedes employees.
Red Bull has announced the hiring of six former Mercedes engineers earlier this month in attempts to develop their frozen power unit they would be using from next year until the new regulations step in from 2025.
However, Toto Wolff came in to attack Red Bull for their attempts to poach Mercedes’ men and said that the Milton Keynes based team would have to do more to achieve what they desire.
“There are about 900 people working in Brixworth, they contacted (in reference to Red Bull) about a hundred, and they convinced between 10 and 15 to move to them. We are talking about people mostly in roles related to production, not performance,” he said.
“If I had to set up a new factory I would start this way too, but between hiring a few people and having a complete, functioning and competitive engine factory, there is a long way to go. I think Red Bull can succeed, they have the resources to do it,” he added.
“But Mercedes, as well as other engine manufacturers, have been here for decades working season after season to optimize their facilities. I don’t think 15 people and one seat will be enough to be competitive in three years with a new engine “.
“That said, we are taking them very seriously because they are a great team and they have the financial resources to do it. But at the same time we are convinced of one thing: Formula 1 takes time and no money can accelerate the learning curve. essential for these projects.”
Mercedes believes in rotation.
Following James Allison’s promotion amidst his desire to no longer work at his previous position, Wolff believes that Mercedes believe in rotating key people without losing the expertise of the experienced bunch and the young talent.
“Formula 1 is a high-pressure environment, and that’s why we always have a rotation in the team… let’s say ‘natural’. We aim to keep the senior members in the team, who are very valuable.”
“But in more wide-ranging, strategic positions, without creating bottlenecks for young people who aim to emerge. James will remain with us in a strategic role as Chief Technology Officer, and is leaving his duties to Mike Elliott, an ambitious and knowledgeable professional, highly motivated and eager to put his opponents behind him.”
“Team needs, if there is some younger person with all the skills to make their way they give them space ”.
