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“If You Don’t Have a Passion, So Be It” – Mercedes’ Toto Wolff Shares His Inspirational Formula to Success

Published 08/12/2021, 10:29 AM EDT

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Celebrating International Youth Day, the Mercedes drivers sent a loving message to their younger selves. Team Principal Toto Wolff, on the other hand, reflected on his past and sent out a message to the present generation.

In the video, Wolff advised the youth, “follow your passion, but don’t let yourself be put under pressure.” Wolff understands the expectations that are a part of today’s world. Regarding the choice of subjects, outperforming one’s peers, and the world of social media, Toto said, “that’s all nonsense.” 

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He adds, ” Follow your way. Don’t be influenced by people that are not important for you. If you don’t have a passion, so be it.”

One of the most popular success stories in F1, Wolff equates his advice to experience. “I didn’t have a passion until I found motor racing at the age of 20, 21. My passion for finance came 10 years later. I didn’t have a clue about it at all.” He concluded his stirring advice by saying, “So, just live your life. Try to take intelligent decisions, work on your studies or work hard if you’re in sports; but, no pressure.”

The Toto Wolff story

One of the most successful team principals in the sport, under Wolff’s mentorship, the Silver Arrows claimed 7 world championships. However, success didn’t come easy to the Austrian.

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Toto Wolff wasn’t born into money, so he had to work hard to get it. He had to be taken out of school because his mother couldn’t pay the fees. His circumstances forced him to work hard for money. From selling candles at protests to being a golden mascot for a local electric shop, Wolff fought hard to get to where he is today.

His entrepreneurial spirit allowed Wolff to start a small tech company. His business developed strategic investments in medium-sized industrial companies and listed companies. One of these investments included HWA AG- the company that developed Mercedes AMG cars for the German Touring Car Championship. Having put his toes in the water, Wolff was ready for the dive.

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Watch this story: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive

Toto Wolff’s advice to the generation stems from a past filled with dedication and resolve. He didn’t need the academic capabilities to be the CEO of one of the strongest teams on the grid; instead, Wolff relied on what he had and made it big. As he said, Life comes towards you. Doors will open. Be curious. Have your eyes wide open. Ask questions.”

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Written by:

Shreya Sanjeev

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Shreya Sanjeev is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. Having attained a journalism degree from St Xavier's College, she finds comfort in the sound of her keyboard while typing and excitement in the sound of F1 cars speeding on a track. A street circuit and Daniel Ricciardo fan through and through, Shreya claims the 2018 Monaco GP to be one of her favorite races of all time.
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