Toto Wolff’s journey: From driving instructor to Mercedes F1 boss

Before leading the Mercedes F1 team, Toto Wolff started his career as a driving instructor at the Österreichring Circuit — now known as the Red Bull Ring.

“I used to work at the Red Bull Ring. It has always felt like a second home,” stated Wolff through a Mercedes release. “Back then it was known as the Österreichring. I was 18 years old, and a driving instructor.”

His early career was full of challenges — he had to sleep in a farmhouse near the circuit and drive a SEAT Ibiza with barely enough fuel. While pursuing education at Vienna University, Wolff worked hard to finance his racing dreams.

His passion for motorsport began during a visit to Nurburgring with a friend competing in the German Formula 3 Championship. This journey inspired him to purchase a SEAT Ibiza — a car he used both for racing and daily transportation.

At that time, the Österreichring Circuit had just been removed from the F1 calendar due to safety concerns. However, the 5.911-kilometer venue remained active hosting various other motorsport events.