Mercedes’ chief, Toto Wolff, has disclosed that he has engaged in discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding the possibility of joining Ratcliffe’s endeavor to acquire a stake in Manchester United.
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Ratcliffe is poised to purchase a 25% share in the Old Trafford club, a move that is expected to grant the 71-year-old billionaire substantial influence in matters related to sports.
Ineos founder Ratcliffe, along with Toto Wolff, aged 51, and Ola Kallenius, jointly own one-third of the Mercedes Formula One team. Wolff, who serves as the team principal for Mercedes, has played a pivotal role in supervising six of Lewis Hamilton’s seven world championships.
Speaking to the PA news agency in advance of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Wolff, a close confidant and business associate of Ratcliffe, stated, “Jim has discussed the plan with me.”
“I very much respect his values and we trust each other. If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group then I would certainly look at it.”
Austrian Wolff had acquired a stake in Williams back in 2009 before eventually departing the British team to assume the role of an executive director at Mercedes four years later. Under his leadership, Mercedes achieved an unprecedented eight consecutive Constructors’ World Championships from 2014 to 2021.
He added: “I have never aimed for trophy investments but I like the competitiveness of the Premier League.
“Jim and Manchester United is a love story because he is born there. Our personal relationship is strong and with Ola Kallenius, they call us the Three Amigos because we live in the no bulls*** world.
“If felt I could contribute then I would consider joining him at Manchester United.”
Wolff also raised the prospect of going into business with Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion is set to remain with Mercedes until at least the conclusion of 2025, having recently inked a fresh two-year contract valued at £100 million.
Wolff said: “I would consider Lewis to be in my very close circle of friends and we are talking about career planning a lot. I would like to be part of his future.
“Driving is the main priority, but whenever we call it a day, it will not be the end of our personal and business relationship.
“We can look at expanding our activities on investments in the sports field and doing that together.
“I have been doing this for 25 years and that is what I know. He is really smart from a business perspective so there is more to come.”
