Mercedes F1 Valued at Record £4.6bn as Wolff Prepares Partial Stake Sale
Mercedes Formula 1 team principal and CEO Toto Wolff is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sell a portion of his stake in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, in a deal valuing the iconic outfit at a staggering £4.6 billion.
The prospective sale — which would mark the highest-ever valuation for an F1 team — comes amid surging global interest in Formula 1 and record-breaking team revenues across the paddock.
According to sources confirmed by BBC Sport and originally reported by Sportico, Wolff, who currently holds a one-third ownership stake in the team, is considering selling around 5% of his shareholding.
Despite the move, the 53-year-old Austrian would remain team principal and chief executive officer, continuing to guide Mercedes’ long-term strategy on and off the track.
Mercedes’ £4.6bn Valuation Sets a Formula 1 Record
The reported valuation of £4.6bn surpasses the £3.5bn figure attached to McLaren Racing following its ownership restructure in September 2025.
This latest development reflects the extraordinary growth in Formula 1 team valuations over the past five years — driven by expanding international audiences, lucrative broadcast deals, and new commercial opportunities stemming from the sport’s global popularity.
When chemicals giant Ineos acquired a one-third share in Mercedes F1 for £208 million in 2022, few could have predicted such a meteoric rise in the team’s overall market value.
Today’s valuation highlights just how profitable and commercially powerful the Silver Arrows have become in the post-Hamilton era.
Ownership Structure Remains Stable
Mercedes F1’s ownership remains divided equally among Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG), and Ineos.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a Mercedes spokesperson said:
“We will be making no comment on this. 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.”
This reassurance comes as speculation grows regarding future leadership transitions within Mercedes’ F1 operation, particularly as Wolff’s role continues to evolve between executive management and team operations.
F1’s Global Boom Driving Record Valuations
The rise in team valuations mirrors Formula 1’s resurgence as one of the world’s most profitable and widely viewed sports.
The Netflix series Drive to Survive ignited a wave of new fans globally, particularly in the United States, where F1 has seen exponential growth in viewership.
Additionally, the release of the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, which grossed over $630 million (£458 million) worldwide, has further propelled the sport into mainstream culture. The film has become the most successful sports movie of all time and Pitt’s highest-grossing film to date.
Such cross-industry exposure has transformed F1 into a premier investment opportunity, attracting major global brands, private equity firms, and tech entrepreneurs seeking entry into the elite world of motorsport.
Mercedes’ Legacy and 2025 Season Performance
Under Toto Wolff’s leadership, Mercedes became the most dominant team in modern Formula 1 history. Between 2014 and 2021, the Brackley-based squad captured:
- 8 consecutive Constructors’ Championships, and
- 7 Drivers’ Championships — six with Lewis Hamilton and one with Nico Rosberg.
In the current 2025 F1 season, Mercedes sit second in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren with three races remaining.
Lead driver George Russell has emerged as the team’s standout performer, claiming two victories in 21 grands prix and currently ranking fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Despite a period of transition following Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes remain highly competitive, blending young talent with technical innovation under Wolff’s continued guidance.
What the Sale Means for Mercedes and Wolff
If the deal proceeds, Toto Wolff’s decision to sell around 5% of his stake will reduce his ownership to approximately 28%, but will likely result in a significant personal financial gain given the team’s record valuation.
Crucially, Wolff will retain full executive authority and decision-making power as both team principal and CEO, ensuring continuity of leadership during Mercedes’ next phase of competition.
Industry experts view the move as a strategic financial rebalancing rather than a sign of Wolff’s departure, enabling him to leverage the team’s heightened market value while maintaining his integral role in Mercedes’ future success.
Mercedes’ Future: Stability and Success
As the Formula 1 ecosystem continues to expand — bolstered by races in new markets, advanced sustainability targets, and a growing fan base — Mercedes’ value could climb even higher in the coming seasons.
The team’s technical infrastructure, elite driver lineup, and brand prestige position it as one of the most sought-after franchises in global sport.
With Wolff at the helm and major partners like Ineos and Mercedes-Benz reaffirming their long-term commitment, the Silver Arrows appear poised to remain a dominant force both on the grid and in the boardroom.
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