Toto Wolff: “There is no shortage of sources of motivation”

How has the team been able to stay at the top of the hierarchy for all these years?

Thanks to the people who make it up! Thanks to all these people who we don't see, but who play their role anonymously, who carry out the project. We only remember what we see, but there is so much going on behind closed doors, so much skill and sacrifice made.

How will you help him stay motivated now that all the records have fallen?

This question is embarrassing, because once again, I don't get all the credit. There are so many people at the factory designing, developing, building. There are people from sponsorship, communications, finance, the legal department, operations…

I'm just one link in the chain. I remember at the start of 2014 we had the goal of winning the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles pinned on the wall. It motivated us and we have continued every year since.

Setting goals is a large part of our exercise. Next year, we will have to contain the big surge in Red Bull and Honda. In 2022, the big change in regulations will reset everything. We will have to find the solution to continue to perform at the same level despite the limited budget, etc. There is no shortage of sources of motivation.

Lewis, however, says he does not yet know if he will be there next year. Is this linked to the fact that you yourself seem not to know what role yours will be?

If he says he doesn't know if he will be there next year, which I think and hope, it is also because at the end of such a weekend where the emotions are so strong, the fatigue ends. by you win. With Lewis, it is true that in a certain way we work together.

We are in symbiosis. Concerning me, it is practically clear with Mercedes. It's just a matter of putting ink to paper. I am linked to Mercedes. My role might change in the future, but I'm not going anywhere else. Up until now, I was just too focused on bringing this championship home. It's the same for Lewis.

What role could you occupy?

Managing Director or President. At the moment I'm trying to see what might work best for me. I love coming to the races, I appreciate the camaraderie in the team, I love seeing everyone give their best, but being present at all the races and at the office on Monday requires a lot of sacrifices, a lot of effort all the time.

Continue to go shopping? If yes, how much? Giving advice from my stupid couch? You have to find the right balance.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in Imola, in issue 2285 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and from tomorrow on newsstands (for a period of 15 days due to confinement).