The Austrian first joined F1 in 2009 as a shareholder of the Williams team, before becoming team principal and co-owner of the Mercedes team from 2013 onwards.

He then helped the German manufacturer to eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021, with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg clinching seven drivers’ titles during that period.

However, Wolff said he did consider leaving F1 in 2020 as his third contract with Mercedes drew to a close.

But after considering whether he had any desire to continue, Wolfe explained that his thought process was actually reversed, as he was committing to more than he thought.

Now, as revealed in an exclusive interview with Autosport, Wolff says his previous idea of ​​cashing in on his F1 investment has been ditched.

“In 2020, I was thinking (about the future),” he explained.

“My plan is, in a way, when I’m 49, I’m going to stop doing that. Because as a 50-year-old you’ve grown up, you’re not a team manager anymore.

“But what changed at the time was the (previous) project: buy stocks, sell stocks, like investing in our financial industry. In 2020, I came to the conclusion: ‘I’m going to keep this’.

“For the first time in my life, I changed my business strategy from a buy, develop and sell investor to buy, develop, keep. It was a big change.

“It took me a year to digest this, and I don’t want to go back to the (financial) industry I’ve been in for 25 years. But really, I want to be a real entrepreneur and stay that way forever. That’s Time to move on.”

Toto Wolff, Mercedes-AMG Team Principal and CEO

Photography: Steve Etherington/ motorsport pictures

Wolff explained that in his early years at Mercedes everything was focused on making the team successful as that would add value to the team.

“That’s the only thing that matters because winning the title means financial success,” he said. “I originally signed a three-year contract.

“Then, when I was really enjoying it, I signed another three-year deal. I really liked it. Then the crunch came.

“So, 14/15/2013, plus 17/18/2016. Then I signed another one on 20/21/2019. And in 2020, I don’t know if I want to keep doing it. So, it It used to always be tied to the terms of the contract. Now, it’s not anymore.”

Wolff said his decision to marry himself to the Mercedes team, rather than see it as an easy investment vehicle, meant he could no longer turn his back on F1 now. Instead, he feels it is his duty to lay the groundwork to ensure a secure future for F1 teams.

PLUS: What’s next for Mercedes looking to return to the top of F1?

“This is my company, this is my team,” he said. “The problem is I can’t even walk away.

“I can only develop people and change the scope of my activities. This is no longer a project. This is my company.

“I’m one of three shareholders, and I need to take that opportunity every day. All the ups and downs matter.”