Toto Wolff Shares Ongoing Struggle with Depression

Wolff speaks candidly about his mental health, aiming to uplift others facing similar battles.

Toto Wolff has once again spoken out about his mental health struggles. The Mercedes F1 Team Principal, who has been in regular treatment since 2004, aims to send a positive message to those battling depression.

“I struggled a lot with these issues for months, unable to think clearly, but I realised it has many benefits,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1. “I call it a superpower.”

“This is the hope I want to offer to people with mental health issues. I used to think, when I was really down, that the person succeeding had something I didn’t, and that’s why they were ahead.”

Wolff founded several companies in his youth and later chose to overcome his challenges by diving into the world of Formula 1: “A significant opportunity presented itself to me. I had succeeded with my business, sold it, and moved to Monaco. I was in my twenties, and there was a Grand Prix.”

“I saw these successful people partying and thought, ‘they don’t suffer, in some ways I do, and that’s why they succeed.’ Twenty years later, I’ve broken those records, something I could never have imagined.”

“What I mean is, with this superpower, when you struggle, you are a sensitive person, and it can be either negative or very positive. Some of my strengths include reading the room, understanding a person, and seeing through them, calling out nonsense when necessary.”

“I generally know what people need to perform well. That’s why I speak openly about it. That’s why we in F1, who laugh on camera, who appear so cool, who are successful, also face struggles. We don’t wake up every day thinking we have a fabulous life.”

The Austrian has “experienced far worse” in the past.

Wolff acknowledges that he has tried many things to find comfort and lessen these challenges, and that his close ones, including his wife Susie, have played a pivotal role: “I have always sought help. I’ve always asked questions from a young age. Some days have been so tough that I’ve had to see a psychologist.”

“I haven’t just tried one treatment, whether it’s speaking to psychologists or undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy, because I like to optimize how I can solve problems quickly. I have probably spent more than 300 or 350 hours talking.”

“I answer to no one. I have a wonderful group of colleagues and shareholders. Of course, Susie has been a solid rock at times when I wasn’t. What’s interesting is that these difficulties in real life, when we are not dealing with the car, do not move the needle for me in terms of pain.”

“I feel no pain. Because I’ve experienced far worse. This stress is my comfort zone. Trying to solve problems. Never giving up, even if you’ve been beaten a hundred times. In a way, I am made for these more challenging days.”