Since joining Mercedes in 2013, Toto Wolff has established himself as one of the best team bosses in the field. Many attribute the success of the Silver Arrows to the Austrian in the hybrid era, which led the team to seven consecutive world championships.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
A name that Wolff often mentions, however, is compatriot Niki Lauda. Although the three-time world champion passed away in 2019, Wolff speaks of his influence on the success of the team.
Since the current F1 season is now in the summer break, no communication on technical aspects of the sport can take place. Wolff remembered a story of the two Austrians in Italy years ago that helped him to cope with the shutdown.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Toto Wolff remembers a combative moment with Niki Lauda in Italy
Lauda has built a reputation for being one of the smartest drivers to set foot in F1. In addition to his incredible skills on the track, the three-time world champion knew how to set up a car so that it unfolds its true potential.
Since joining the Mercedes F1 team in 2012, Lauda has worked with Wolff to help the team reach new heights. In fact, Lewis Hamilton attributes a major contributor to Lauda in signing for Mercedes in 2013.
As colleagues, Wolff and Lauda had a warm and healthy relationship. However, the latter’s death a week before the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix left Wolff and the team broke up. The 49-year-old still remembers many memories with the Austrian during the current summer break.
During a summer break in Italy, Wolff asked where Lauda was two days after the vacation. After Lauda replied that he was on his doorstep, he called him for breakfast, which Wolff received a colorful answer.
He remembered Lauda’s words: “I’m standing with the boat in front of your hotel. Are you coming down for breakfast at eight? ”To which Wolff replied,“ So I said, ‘You can lick my ass. That you are stalking me now in Italy and forcing me to get up and have an espresso with you, we will not do that. “(Quotes translated by Google)
DIVE DEEPER
Can Wolff lead Mercedes to their eighth title in a row?
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
This season is developing into one of the most competitive of Wolff and Mercedes. With Christian Horner and Red Bull on their backs, the Silver Arrows have a lot to do after the summer break.
Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021 McLaren team boss Toto Wolff before the race pool via REUTERS / Christian Bruna
Although Mercedes leads the constructors’ championship with 12 points, Red Bull has looked faster in the overall standings so far. With F1 resuming in Belgium in two weeks’ time, expect the two rivals to put up a closer battle in the remaining 12 races.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
WATCH HISTORY: Toto Wolff swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: The funniest moments from the journey to survival
The post “You Can Lick My A **” – Toto Wolff remembers a colorful conversation with Niki Lauda during the F1 summer break first appeared on monter-une-startup.
