Toto and Susie Wolff, a couple of team principals
After Toto Wolff, who is the team principal and a shareholder of Mercedes in F1, it's Susie's turn to take on the same roles at Venturi, in Formula E.
It is certainly one of the best-known couples in the paddock. Toto and Susie Wolff have been appearing together for many years. This goes back to the time when the former was a shareholder in Williams and the latter became a development driver for the same team.
When she decided to hang up her helmet, Susie Wolff did not abandon all ambition or resign herself to being just “the wife of.” That’s why she launched her platform, Dare to be Different, which aims to promote women in the motorsport industry.
This ambition now goes further as she will now take on the role of team director within the Formula E team, Venturi: « You simply cannot turn off your competitive instinct when you stop racing. This determination and desire to succeed still burn within me. I have taken the time to prudently take the right direction for this challenge. I have now found the perfect next step, with the opportunity to become both a shareholder and the team director of Venturi. »
But this causes a number of conflicts of interest within the Wolff family, as Toto is responsible for the entire Mercedes racing program, including the entry into this very discipline by season 6. He is therefore required to take certain confidentiality measures, as he stated during the press conference in Austria: « When I am at home and talk about Formula E, I have to close the door so she cannot hear. »
Nevertheless, the relationship between Venturi and Mercedes is likely to resemble more of a coopetition than pure competition, since the Monegasque team will supply its single-seater to HWA starting next season, which is one of the competition arms of the star-branded firm. Therefore, it is hard to imagine that Susie’s takeover and interests haven’t been thoroughly discussed and approved within the Mercedes group.
The family’s schedule is going to be very busy in the coming months, especially to take care of their young baby. Toto Wolff thus stated: « You laugh but it’s a serious problem to set up the logistics since she got involved with Venturi. We are just passing each other at home. Obviously, I’m trying to be a modern dad and help as much as possible. It’s a great challenge for her. »
From our special correspondent in Austria
