Toto Wolff Mercedes F1 Stake Sale: Team Valued at Record $6 Billion in Blockbuster Deal
Formula 1’s financial landscape just hit warp speed. Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff is in advanced talks to sell a mid-single-digit percentage of his 33% stake, valuing the entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team at a staggering $6 billion. This deal, first reported by Sportico on November 11, 2025, eclipses McLaren’s $4.7 billion valuation from an October stake sale, cementing Mercedes as the sport’s priciest asset.
At 53, Wolff will retain his dual leadership roles, ensuring stability amid the Silver Arrows’ resurgence. The buyer—rumored to be CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz—would acquire about 5% through Wolff’s holding company, injecting fresh capital without disrupting governance.
Key Points
- Stake Sold: Mid-single digits (est. 5%) of Wolff’s 33% ownership
- Valuation: $6 billion—F1 record, up from Ineos’s $208 million 33% buy in 2022
- Wolff’s Role: Stays as team principal and CEO
- Ownership: Equal 33% shares—Mercedes-Benz, Ineos, Wolff (post-sale)
- Timing: Advanced talks; announcement expected pre-Las Vegas GP (November 20-22)
- Mercedes Statement: “Governance unchanged; all partners committed”
The Deal That Redefines F1’s Billion-Dollar Boom
In 2022, Ineos paid $208 million for a one-third stake, implying a $624 million team value. Fast-forward three years: $6 billion. That’s a 860% leap, fueled by F1’s global explosion.
Ownership Breakdown
| Partner | Stake | Entry Year | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz AG | 33% | 2010 (founding) | Original works team |
| Ineos (Jim Ratcliffe) | 33% | 2022 | $208 million |
| Toto Wolff | 33% (pre-sale) | 2013 | $165 million initial |
Post-sale, Wolff’s stake dips slightly, but his influence endures. A Mercedes spokesperson confirmed: “All three partners remain fully committed to Mercedes-Benz in Formula One.”
The buyer? Financial Times reports Kurtz, a Le Mans racer and CrowdStrike exec (Mercedes sponsor). His involvement could deepen tech ties—cybersecurity for F1’s data-heavy world.
Why Now? F1’s Valuation Rocket Ride
F1 teams were once loss-leaders. Now? Blue-chip investments. Wolff’s move capitalizes on:
- Liberty Media Era: Since 2017 acquisition, revenue tripled to $3.2 billion (2024).
- Drive to Survive Magic: Netflix series drew 1.5 billion minutes viewed in 2025 alone—U.S. fans up 40%.
- Global Expansion: 24-race calendar; Las Vegas, Miami GPs sell out 400,000+ tickets.
- Cost Cap Stability: $135 million limit (2025) curbs spending, boosts profitability.
Mercedes’ 2024 revenue: $812 million—F1’s highest. Wolff’s salary/dividends: $50 million+ annually.
Comparisons:
- McLaren: $4.7 billion (October 2025 stake sale)
- Red Bull: Est. $3.5 billion
- Ferrari: $3.9 billion (2023 valuation)
The Brad Pitt Boost: F1’s Hollywood Halo
Summer 2025’s F1: The Movie—starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes—grossed $631.1 million worldwide. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), it shattered records:
- Highest-grossing sports film ever
- Apple’s first theatrical hit ($200-300 million budget)
- Pitt’s career best (beat World War Z‘s $540 million)
Released June 27 via Warner Bros., it debuted at No. 1 ($146.3 million global opening). By August, $557.8 million; September profit est. $34 million.
F1 tie-ins: Filmed at real GPs; Lewis Hamilton executive producer. Boosted U.S. attendance 25%; merchandise sales up 60%.
On-Track Fire: Mercedes’ 2025 Revival
Post-2021 dominance (8 straight constructors’ titles), Mercedes slumped. 2025? Rebound.
Constructors Standings (Post-Brazil, November 9)
| Pos | Team | Points | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLaren | 589 | 12 |
| 2 | Mercedes | 456 | 4 |
| 3 | Red Bull | 432 | 3 |
| 4 | Ferrari | 378 | 2 |
George Russell: 4th in drivers (218 points); 2 wins (Australia, Monaco). Lewis Hamilton: 6th (192 points); podiums in 15 of 21 races.
Three races left: Las Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi. P2 locked; constructors’ gap to McLaren: 133 points.
Legacy: 7 drivers’ titles (6 Hamilton, 1 Rosberg). Infrastructure: $500 million+ Brackley HQ.
Wolff’s Legacy: Architect of an Empire
Since 2013, Wolff transformed Mercedes from midfield to juggernaut. 2022 Ineos entry stabilized amid engine regs shift.
This sale? Personal liquidity—family wealth diversification. Wolff: “F1’s future is bright; my focus remains winning.”
Implications:
- Investor Wave: Signals more stakes sales (e.g., Red Bull eyeing IPO).
- Talent Magnet: $6 billion valuation lures top engineers, sponsors.
- Fan Angle: Stability amid 2026 regs overhaul.
Mercedes: “Governance unchanged.” Silver Arrows roar on.
