18/05/2021
NEWS STORY
Toto Wolff has received an Honorary Degree from Cranfield University in its annual graduation celebrations.
Wolff, who has led the team to an unprecedented seven consecutive world championship doubles, attended the campus to collect his degree from Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, as part of a Covid-secure event.
He and his wife Susie, who is team principal of Rokit Venturi Racing in Formula E, met with Professor Helen Atkinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, and members of the University's motorsport faculty.
"I'm very proud to be receiving an Honorary Degree from Cranfield University," said Wolff on receiving his degree. "It's a special moment, particularly because of the great work and collaboration between the Mercedes F1 Team and Cranfield University over the years, which I know will continue into the future, too.
"I would like to pass my thanks to Cranfield University for the opportunity," he continued. "I am now an honorary Doctor of Science, which is not something I ever expected to be, especially after failing to complete my undergraduate studies in Vienna! I feel both privileged and honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious institution."
"We're delighted to welcome Toto Wolff to Cranfield University and be able to present his Honorary Degree in person," said Professor Sir Peter Gregson. "Cranfield is a global university and our graduation celebrations recognise the excellent achievements of those who have studied at Cranfield and those who are receiving honorary degrees for their outstanding contribution to business and society."
Born in Vienna, Wolff studied at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. He had a short racing career, including a 24-hour endurance class victory before transferring his competitive ambitions to the business and investment world.
He founded investment company, Marchfifteen in 1998, followed by Marchsixteen in 2004, where one of his investments was HWA AG, the company responsible for the Mercedes-Benz DTM and Formula 3 engine programmes.
In 2009, he entered the world of Formula One by acquiring a stake in the Williams F1 team, becoming executive director of the team in 2012.
Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Managing Partner of the Mercedes F1 Team and acquired a 30% stake in the Brackley-based company, alongside co-shareholder Niki Lauda. At the same time, he assumed the role of Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, with overall responsibility for the company's works motorsport programmes, which today include Formula 1 and Formula E.
In his time at the helm, Mercedes has achieved an unprecedented seven consecutive World Championship doubles to become the most successful team in Formula One history.
Wolff has spearheaded the Mercedes team's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which includes developing targeted education initiatives to encourage and support students from under-represented backgrounds who aspire to reach F1. Through the Accelerate 25 programme, the team aims for at least 25% of all new starters at the team to come from under-represented groups in each year from 2021 to 2025.