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Toto Wolff new Mercedes motorsport chef


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#51 aditya-now

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 01:20

I really think there's some sort of endgame involved with MGP that we're not aware of.


Quite possibly so.

Although we will have to wait for 2014 to see the final answer to this. If the new engine fails, Merc will pull the plug.


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#52 BoschKurve

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 01:45

Quite possibly so.

Although we will have to wait for 2014 to see the final answer to this. If the new engine fails, Merc will pull the plug.


I agree. I suspect the Renault V6 is going to be the best of the 2014 turbo engines personally.

#53 flatlander48

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 02:33

He was? What exactly was he doing there?
IMHO Frank will regret the day he let Parr go more than he can imagine...


Parr wasn't let go. He was forced out by some external politics.

#54 packapoo

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:00

+1

What did Toto do exactly?


Before Williams?
3/5ths of bugger-all; but don't let me stop you from believing the hype :-)

#55 peroa

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:31

Well, at least the article from a few months back makes sense now.
The one where senior Williams members weren't happy at all with Wolff's decisions/style.

#56 Sakae

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:32

I really think there's some sort of endgame involved with MGP that we're not aware of. I'm waiting for press reports that Lauda and Hamilton are kicking back in Ibiza the way Lauda and Eddie Irvine did a decade ago while running Jaguar right into the ground.

The "end game of some kind" was predicted several months ago in Mercedes thread when CA was signed on. Some "clever" posters have rejected such changes, but we will have to wait and see.
Naming Lauda and someone (now we know its Wolff) merely confirms what was suspected then, that Haug was overloaded in his job to micro-manage ongoing day-to-day operations at Brackley, which was not his job anyway, but problems in the engineering office should have been in his focus much earlier. Perhaps too much of trust was put on Brawn, but at the end it was Norbert who probably was made responsible for not implementing remedial changes much sooner.
I am inclined to reject the notion that company will pull out from F1 prior 2020, however expectations are they will reorganize, and step back, which makes sense under current commercial and operational conditions. Lauda due to his age has to be then merely a transitional figure, a trouble-shooter, thus this shaking up of the team might not over yet by a long shot, and won’t be for a while. (Forget Hamilton's "leadership"; he is an employee, well paid, but nonetheless just that, and he better performs as expected of him. No more of nonsensical talks or embarrassing and childish twitters).


#57 Szoelloe

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 07:23

The "end game of some kind" was predicted several months ago in Mercedes thread when CA was signed on. Some "clever" posters have rejected such changes, but we will have to wait and see.
Naming Lauda and someone (now we know its Wolff) merely confirms what was suspected then, that Haug was overloaded in his job to micro-manage ongoing day-to-day operations at Brackley, which was not his job anyway, but problems in the engineering office should have been in his focus much earlier. Perhaps too much of trust was put on Brawn, but at the end it was Norbert who probably was made responsible for not implementing remedial changes much sooner.
I am inclined to reject the notion that company will pull out from F1 prior 2020, however expectations are they will reorganize, and step back, which makes sense under current commercial and operational conditions. Lauda due to his age has to be then merely a transitional figure, a trouble-shooter, thus this shaking up of the team might not over yet by a long shot, and won’t be for a while. (Forget Hamilton's "leadership"; he is an employee, well paid, but nonetheless just that, and he better performs as expected of him. No more of nonsensical talks or embarrassing and childish twitters).



On the contrary. I would think Brawn was definitely not trusted enough. Now it seems they are doing anything and everything necessary to achieve their goals, with no BS coming down from the board. I wouldn't trust the Germans to run any F1 team atm either, Toyota was run from over there too. I don't think Wolff(if this is inded true) will have too much to do with the F1 team, that is more on lauda's table, but let's wait and see. It could be they are separating their motorsport actiuvities to some extent from the F1 team. So far everything we heard or read about this is pure guesswork.

Edited by Szoelloe, 21 January 2013 - 07:47.


#58 F1ultimate

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 09:22

Mercedes is making moves. Like what i'm seeing.


Hopefully it won't be a case of too many chefs. They are increasingly being left with fewer and fewer excuses for not winning in 2014.

#59 ensign14

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 09:46

OK, everyone's creative writing task today is to produce the Mercedes/Brawn press release describing why they are replacing Nico Rosberg with Susie Stoddart. :)

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#60 F1ultimate

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:00

OK, everyone's creative writing task today is to produce the Mercedes/Brawn press release describing why they are replacing Nico Rosberg with Susie Stoddart. :)


Because Lewis has a stronger friendship with her than he has with Nico. :p

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#61 Zoetrope

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:35

@WilliamsF1Team
Toto Wolff, one of Williams' Executive Directors, will be leaving the Company with immediate effect to take up a new role with Mercedes-Benz

@WilliamsF1Team
Toto will be relinquishing his seat on the Company’s Board of Directors but will retain his shareholding

‏@WilliamsF1Team
Frank Williams continues to oversee the running of the Company with Toto’s responsibilities shared between the Board’s Executive Committee

#62 noikeee

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:41

I'm not an expert at all in how shareholding works, but won't Toto's shares in Williams now have plummeted in price now that everyone knows he wants and needs to sell them soon?

#63 F1ultimate

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:49

I'm not an expert at all in how shareholding works, but won't Toto's shares in Williams now have plummeted in price now that everyone knows he wants and needs to sell them soon?


It's never good for confidence when a top executive leaves. However I don't think the share price will be terribly affected given that the team is in good footing performance-wise. So it's not a case of a sinking ship being abandoned but merely a senior executive leaving for a prestigious job.

#64 Zoetrope

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:54

I'm not an expert at all in how shareholding works, but won't Toto's shares in Williams now have plummeted in price now that everyone knows he wants and needs to sell them soon?


Williams is listed on stock exchange, so there is no Toto's shares and other shares. They share the same shares that share the same share price. :rotfl: :lol:

#65 noikeee

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:57

Okay I know his shares are the same as other shares, and I'm not calling the value of Williams into question, I'm just thinking on a supply-and-demand level. There'll be more supply now everyone knows he needs to sell a rather large chunk of the company.

/economy noob

#66 Zoetrope

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:01

No demand for those shares might as well be the reason why he is keeping them. I don't know how much of the total value he owns, but we are talking milions here.

#67 Baddoer

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:10

Williams for Mercedes engines in 2014. You heard it here first.

#68 Anderis

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:17

Williams for Mercedes engines in 2014. You heard it here first.

No man, you're not first who suggests so. :)

#69 Szoelloe

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:34

WOW, OMFG, WTF, etc,etc. Maybe Brawn is out soon? What th helll is Mercedes up to? Can anybody tell me who's boss in Brackley, who's boss of what, and who's doing what? Now I'm all confused. :eek:

#70 SirT

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:37

Official http://www.mercedes-...a-1-racing-team

Anyone know what time Lewis is being unveiled in Stuttgart?

#71 SmokeScreen

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:44

WOW, OMFG, WTF, etc,etc. Maybe Brawn is out soon? What th helll is Mercedes up to? Can anybody tell me who's boss in Brackley, who's boss of what, and who's doing what? Now I'm all confused. :eek:



Ross seems fine to me
my question is "Where is Fry in all of this?"

#72 Viktoria

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:03

Official http://www.mercedes-...a-1-racing-team

Anyone know what time Lewis is being unveiled in Stuttgart?


Regarding his PR manager: Today!!!

#73 BackOnTop

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:04

WOW, OMFG, WTF, etc,etc. Maybe Brawn is out soon? What th helll is Mercedes up to? Can anybody tell me who's boss in Brackley, who's boss of what, and who's doing what? Now I'm all confused. :eek:

Lol, Merecedes is losing it... Or has things OUT OF CONTROL!!

So, lets see a list (not entirely sure if correct) they recruited:-
-Scumi (not a good decision considering the outcome, good for his fans though)
-Rosberg (got matched throughout by a 41-43 year old driver)
-Brawn (same, should have really been held accountable & fired after this year)
-mind-bogling Senior Tech recruits in 2010-11, which led to Mclaren & Newey to smirk in 2011 & say they might as well go home lol, while another said too many chefs spoils the broth at a FIA PC (same)
-DDRS (same. really, all that minds came up with one innovation, which directly regressed the cars updates Duh)
-Niki Lauda (recent)
-Hamilton (recent)
-Lotus aero chief (recent)
-Toto Wollf (recent)

People Mercedes chose to let go:-
-Jenson Button- their current World Champion
-Norbert Haug- the face of Mercedes in every sense.

Good Job so far I guess.

Edited by BackOnTop, 21 January 2013 - 12:11.


#74 BackOnTop

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:15

WOW, OMFG, WTF, etc,etc. Maybe Brawn is out soon? What th helll is Mercedes up to? Can anybody tell me who's boss in Brackley, who's boss of what, and who's doing what? Now I'm all confused. :eek:

Lol, Merecedes is losing it... Or has things OUT OF CONTROL!!

So, lets see a list (not entirely sure if correct) they recruited:-
-Scumi (not a good decision considering the outcome, good for his fans though)
-Rosberg (got matched throughout by a 41-43 year old driver)
-Brawn (same, should have really been held accountable & fired after this year)
-mind-bogling Senior Tech recruits in 2010-11, which led to Mclaren & Newey to smirk in 2011 & say they might as well go home lol, while another said too many chefs spoils the broth at a FIA PC (same)
-DDRS (same. really, all that minds came up with one innovation, which directly regressed the cars updates Duh)
-Niki Lauda (recent)
-Hamilton (recent)
-Lotus aero chief (recent)
-Toto Wollf (recent)

People Mercedes chose to let go/pushed out:-
-Jenson Button- their current World Champion
-Norbert Haug- the face of Mercedes in every sense.

Good Job so far I guess.

Edited by BackOnTop, 21 January 2013 - 12:19.


#75 03011969

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:27

Having seen the title of the OP I thought it was about how he was set to show off his culinary skills.

#76 Timstr11

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:31

To me this is the first step towards "Wolff Racing F1".
If this young Wollf guy is as abrasive as has been rumored, I expect an exodus of senior figures from the team quite soon.
I'm beginning to believe manufacturer lead teams will always be in a state of flux which is never good.

Edited by Timstr11, 21 January 2013 - 12:32.


#77 Owen

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:51

Ross seems fine to me
my question is "Where is Fry in all of this?"


Team CEO Nick Fry remains a part of Mercedes for now, but his future role is being discussed.

Autosport.com

So the discussion is probably something like... "so, this Nicky Fry, what does he actually do?" :lol:

#78 TheUltimateWorrier

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:58

Williams for Mercedes engines in 2014.

To borrow your sig

James Hunt: And all I can say to that is bullshit

:p

Aren't Williams rumoured to be working with Renault to launch a new version of the Clio next year?

#79 SmokeScreen

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:58

Autosport.com

So the discussion is probably something like... "so, this Nicky Fry, what does he actually do?" :lol:


:drunk: :up: been asking that question meself.

His last opportunity to emphatically answer it or writing is on the wall (although already looks like HE is a goner)



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#80 Owen

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 13:03

:drunk: :up: been asking that question meself.

His last opportunity to emphatically answer it or writing is on the wall (although already looks like HE is a goner)

I agree. Think he may have found himself in the last chance saloon.

#81 Gfhuus

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 13:19

I'm surprised how amicable williams'/frank's statement was. Talking about this being a great opportunity for Toto in the same way as when a midfield driver joins a top team. I though esp. after last years good performances Williams would seriously start to aspire being a championship contender again. Why put yourself down compared to Merc? Maybe it's just because of Toto's ownership but it's still a bit odd.

#82 ensign14

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 13:38

Having seen the title of the OP I thought it was about how he was set to show off his culinary skills.

He hasn't got any. Don't you remember Duran Duran saying they were hungry like the Wolff?

#83 skinnylizard

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 17:48

How much money had Toto made doing whatever he does o own a chunk of Mercedes and Williams? Too much going on at Mercedes. Never was a fan of Lauda the manager... I hope this does not turn into BAR

#84 scheivlak

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 18:01

How much money had Toto made doing whatever he does o own a chunk of Mercedes and Williams? Too much going on at Mercedes. Never was a fan of Lauda the manager... I hope this does not turn into BAR

Well, this used to be BAR ;)

#85 blacksheep79

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 18:25

german sportbild - paddy lowe to mercedes

#86 jrg19

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 18:26

german sportbild - paddy lowe to mercedes


No way.

#87 seahawk

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 18:36

No way.


Indeed: http://sportbild.bil...u-mercedes.html

#88 TheNewStig

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 18:39



Titi Wolff?

#89 Fastcake

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 21:11

Autosport.com

So the discussion is probably something like... "so, this Nicky Fry, what does he actually do?" :lol:


I've never got why Nick Fry was always a hate figure. :confused: He runs the business side of the team, not much to do with on track performances.

#90 skinnylizard

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 03:34

So Brawn has no stake at all but Lauda does? That's strange..

#91 Shiroo

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 03:44

Lol, Merecedes is losing it... Or has things OUT OF CONTROL!!

So, lets see a list (not entirely sure if correct) they recruited:-
-Scumi (not a good decision considering the outcome, good for his fans though)
-Rosberg (got matched throughout by a 41-43 year old driver)
-Brawn (same, should have really been held accountable & fired after this year)
-mind-bogling Senior Tech recruits in 2010-11, which led to Mclaren & Newey to smirk in 2011 & say they might as well go home lol, while another said too many chefs spoils the broth at a FIA PC (same)
-DDRS (same. really, all that minds came up with one innovation, which directly regressed the cars updates Duh)
-Niki Lauda (recent)
-Hamilton (recent)
-Lotus aero chief (recent)
-Toto Wollf (recent)

People Mercedes chose to let go/pushed out:-
-Jenson Button- their current World Champion
-Norbert Haug- the face of Mercedes in every sense.

Good Job so far I guess.

huh?


#92 Markn93

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 06:48

huh?

Mike Elliott

#93 Dolph

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 09:31

According to BILD.de
http://www.bild.de/s...75870.bild.html

How will that work out? Doesn't he own a substantial amount of Williams?



Didn't know he had such culinary skills.

#94 SpaMaster

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 14:33

Now Paddy Lowe in the picture? This throws much more light on Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes. A bit similar to Schumacher's move to Ferrari in 1996. Come to think of it, that was not that super-special as it seemed. The driver basically took all the important technical people with him. It would still be a challenge nevertheless.

#95 jjcale

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 18:01

I've never got why Nick Fry was always a hate figure. :confused: He runs the business side of the team, not much to do with on track performances.


Earth car ....

#96 r4mses

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 18:29

F.A.Z. - reliable high-profile German Newspaper - says, Wolff now owns 30% of Mercedes GP. Lauda 10%. The shares which used to be held by Aabar. Source

Edited by r4mses, 22 January 2013 - 18:29.


#97 Szoelloe

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 18:38

F.A.Z. - reliable high-profile German Newspaper - says, Wolff now owns 30% of Mercedes GP. Lauda 10%. The shares which used to be held by Aabar. Source


Yep. Worst move I can imagine by Mercedes. They simply opened Pandora's box.


#98 r4mses

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 18:56

Why that?

#99 Szoelloe

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 19:07

Why that?

I am not so set on Wolff, though he generated a minor exodus at Williams, but Lauda.... he is destructive. He now has a say.


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#100 F1Champion

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 20:08

Two people who don't know alot about running an F1 team successfully and haven't been in direct control of an F1 (for a while) team smacks of desperation at Mercedes. If anything Wolff and Lauda buying the shares makes it look more like Mercedes wants to back out of the F1 team by handing alot of the stake back to private investors.

Wolff never directly ran Williams and Lauda didn't do a great job at Jaguar. Now you may have two owners potentially at loggerheads over things.