Mercedes' Toto Wolff: Formula 1 boss rumours could be an "agenda"

Wolff's success at Mercedes has led to him being linked to a future role running F1, with Formula E chief Alejandro Agag, Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali and Red Bull boss Christian Horner also mooted.

The speculation surrounding Wolff has raised concerns from rivals over potential bias that could impact discussions over the 2021 rules.

Wolff has played down the speculation and suggests an agenda has driven the rumours.

"I wonder who put my name out there?" said Wolff, speaking exclusively to Autosport.

"Maybe there is an agenda about putting my name out to actually trigger scepticism. But interestingly, none of that is happening and I haven't applied for a job.

"I am in a really happy place at Mercedes. I enjoy my role in representing one of the best brands in the world.

"Having been given the autonomy to run the team in the best interest for Mercedes - as a partner of Mercedes - I really enjoy the relationships within the team and the relationship with my Daimler friends.

"Fundamentally I am a lap time person. I like the competition. So whatever is being put out there by somebody is not coming from me, and it is not reflecting the situation."

While Wolff has distanced himself from an F1 role, he says the championship can grow significantly under the right leadership.

"The sport is a super exciting property," said Wolff, when asked if he would be interested in the Liberty role in the longer term.

"It is one of the big global sports properties and I think we have a real chance to make it the biggest spectacle in the world if we continue to develop what F1 stands for.

"We need to embrace our current audiences and fans, and potential audiences that we haven't tapped yet, plus embrace new technology.

"I hope very much, as a Mercedes team principal and Mercedes shareholder, that we and all the other teams can benefit from the growth of F1."