Szafnauer “can’t see” Wolff role in Aston Martin F1 team

Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer has played down the chance of Toto Wolff taking on a role with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team despite his recent investment in the British manufacturer.

Mercedes F1 team principal Wolff made a personal investment in Aston Martin earlier this month equivalent to 0.95% amid mounting speculation linking him with the luxury sportscar firm when it returns to the grid in 2021.

Wolff, who is out of contract at the end of the year, has been linked with a role at Aston Martin due to his friendship with Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll, who took a stake in the struggling road car manufacturer in January. But Wolff has insisted he remains committed to the Mercedes F1 project.

Speaking as a guest on Sky Sports F1’s latest Vodcast, Szafnauer doubted that Wolff’s investment would see him become involved in the F1 operation next season.

“I haven't spoken to him in six or seven weeks since the Australian Grand Prix. I've seen him on a couple of these Zoom calls, but I haven't asked him that question,” Szafnauer said.

“But knowing Toto like I do, I think he's absolutely right, it was a good time to buy if you look at the share price and the trend.

“Toto's pretty smart at that stuff, I think he's made a little bit of money in these type of things, and I wouldn't doubt what he says. I think he's absolutely right, good time to buy.

“He's done an amazing job at Mercedes, but I can't see him having a stake in our team for example.”

Earlier this week, Wolff reiterated his commitment to Mercedes to Austrian media, though he revealed he might not attend every race of the 2020 F1 season once it finally gets underway.

“For 2020 I am the team principal at Mercedes, even if I may divide my time differently and not be at every race,” Wolff told Austrian publication Osterreich.

“I want to do my part to ensure that Lewis Hamilton wins the seventh title.”