Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff is reportedly in advanced talks to sell a small portion of his ownership stake, in what could mark one of the most lucrative deals in motorsport history.
The potential sale, valuing Mercedes F1 at an eye-watering £4.6 billion, shows the sport’s explosive global growth and rising commercial appeal.
According to multiple reports verified by BBC Sport, Wolff — who currently owns one-third of the Silver Arrows — plans to part with around 5% of his stake, though he will continue as both team principal and CEO.
The move would leave the 53-year-old Austrian still deeply involved in Mercedes’ long-term strategy, despite a minor reduction in his personal shareholding.
Notably, this valuation surpasses McLaren’s recent £3.5 billion figure following a change in ownership earlier this year, making Mercedes the most valuable team in Formula 1.
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Mercedes value skyrockets amid F1’s global boom
The deal gives credence to the monumental rise in Formula 1’s financial landscape since Ineos purchased its one-third stake in Mercedes for £208 million in 2022. With the sport’s fanbase expanding across continents — aided by the Netflix “Drive to Survive” effect and major new sponsorships — team valuations have soared to unprecedented heights.
Mercedes, jointly owned by Wolff, Ineos, and Mercedes-Benz, has maintained dominance both on and off the track. A team spokesperson declined to comment on the sale but emphasised that “the governance of the team will remain unchanged, and all three partners are fully committed to the ongoing success of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One.”
Adding to F1’s cultural surge, the blockbuster Brad Pitt-led F1 movie, released last summer, grossed over $630 million (£458 million) — making it not only the actor’s highest-grossing film but also the most successful sports movie ever.
Meanwhile, on the circuit, Mercedes continue to display strong performances, sitting second in the Constructors’ Championship behind McLaren with three races to go.
George Russell’s two Grand Prix victories this season have further reinforced the team’s competitiveness, while Lewis Hamilton’s legacy continues to shine from the dominant 2014–2021 era, when Mercedes secured eight consecutive constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ crowns.
Tags: Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 sale, George Russell, Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, Ineos, motorsport, ownership stake.
