logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
1h 10m

Toto Wolff: My Untold Story of Traumatic...

High Performance
About this episode

We welcome back Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, to High Performance. Filmed at the team’s headquarters, Jake sits down with Toto to uncover the story behind his journey, the challenges of leadership at the top of F1, and the personal experiences that have shaped him into the leader he is today.


In this episode, Toto opens up about his close bond with Lewis Hamilton, from the early days of their partnership to pivotal moments that have tested their relationship, including Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes and the challenges that followed. He also reflects on the intense 2021 season, discussing how Hamilton coped with the pressures and how it shaped Mercedes’ strategy moving forward.


Beyond F1, Toto dives into his own journey, revealing how a challenging upbringing and his father’s illness fostered his resilience and emotional intelligence. He speaks openly about the role of therapy and the importance of empathy in his leadership style, which he’s continually refined to create a culture that values every individual’s best at Mercedes.


This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1, highlighting the human side of a high-stakes sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity.


Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane is available now: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/458757/inside-mercedes-f1-by-whyman-matt/9781529916799


🚨 Partners


Huel 👉 Get £25 off the Taster Bundle. Unlock your offer here: http://huel.com/highperformance


Payhawk 👉  See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk


Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/Heights


FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP


HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation


HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events


Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Up next
Yesterday
Act Now or Miss Your Moment
The greatest regrets in life rarely come from failure, they come from never trying. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the courage to act, joined by insights from Siya Kolisi, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Fraser, and Lee Child. Together, they reveal why preparation, consistenc ... Show More
22m 25s
Oct 8
How to Spot and Solve Hidden Depression, with Dr Judith Joseph
We often imagine depression as something visible, but what if it doesn’t look like sadness at all? What if it looks like success? If you look successful but feel flat, this episode is for you.Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph calls it high-functioning depression, the ... Show More
21m 22s
Oct 6
Rick Astley's Story: The Trauma That Forced Me On Stage (E373)
At the height of global stardom, Rick Astley made the decision to step away from fame. In this deeply honest conversation, he opens up about the anxiety and fear that came with constant travel, the unhealthy coping mechanisms it triggered, and why leaving the spotlight was the on ... Show More
1h 14m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Alonso, Sainz, Wolff + more - The Best of F1 Beyond The Grid 2024
On F1 Beyond The Grid, Formula 1's fastest stars slow down for in-depth conversations with Tom Clarkson. They reveal what it’s like being at the centre of the biggest stories of the season and share fascinating insight into what life is like as a Formula 1 driver, Team Principal, ... Show More
1h 22m
May 2025
Rivalry with Schumacher, pre-race meals and F1 life skills - LIVE with Mika Hakkinen in Monaco
Teamwork. Racing. Pasta. We explore all that and more as Mika Hakkinen joins Christian Hewgill and F1 Explains listeners live on-stage at the Monaco Grand Prix. Double World Champion Mika talks about what he learned from racing Michael Schumacher. Their rivalry started as teenage ... Show More
28m 46s
Sep 2024
Damon Hill on F1 title fights - LIVE at F1 Paddock Club
What does it take to win the F1 World Championship? Is it better to be the leader or the chaser in a title fight? What changes when you become a champion? In a special episode, recorded at F1 Paddock Club, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill reveals all you need to know about winning ... Show More
27m 35s
Sep 9
Gabriel Bortoleto: ‘my dream was so big’ - the long journey to F1
Aged 11, Gabriel Bortoleto left Brazil, determined to make it in motorsport. His family’s passion, hard work and sacrifice gave him a start. His talent saw him accelerate towards a racing career. A two-time World Champion saw he was special, and helped guide him to Formula 1. Spe ... Show More
55m 39s
Apr 2025
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes answers your questions + Miami live show news
He's a former racer who's now boss of Alpine. Oliver Oakes joins F1 Explains for another 'Ask A Team Principal' special. He tells Christian Hewgill how he deals with feedback from drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, while keeping hundreds of team members working together. Plus, ... Show More
35m 50s
Mar 2025
Rookie seasons - with Jenson Button + McLaren's Tom Stallard
Faster cars. Brighter spotlight. Higher pressure. A Formula 1 debut is a dream come true, but rookies need to impress, or their first season could be their last... 2009 World Champion Jenson Button tells Christian Hewgill the lessons he learned from his first year in F1 with Will ... Show More
37m 32s
Jul 22
#395 How Geniuses and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World's Fastest-Growing Sport
Those on the margins often come to control the center. That maxim ties together the three remarkable people profiled in this episode: Colin Chapman, known as “the mad scientist of F1”, did more to influence F1 design than any other person in history. Bernie Ecclestone, known as “ ... Show More
1h 5m
Apr 2025
‘Oscar showed who’s in charge’ + Lando opens up about 'mistakes' and pressure to be ‘perfect’ - 2025 Saudi Arabian GP Review with Lando Norris + Zak Brown
Tom Clarkson is joined in the Jeddah paddock by nine-time Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen, and two-time Le Mans podium finisher and F1TV analyst, Alex Brundle, to dissect the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri now leads the World Championship by 10 points after securing his t ... Show More
36m 59s
Sep 2
Fred Vasseur: Ferrari’s ‘next step’ with Lewis Hamilton + Charles Leclerc
‘Pressure is the best motivation for all of us’. Fred Vasseur knows all about pressure. He leads Formula 1’s most storied team. At the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the tifosi – Ferrari’s passionate fans – want to see Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton on the podium. But what they, ... Show More
58m 43s