Wolff: I wonder who put my name into circulation

In an interview with Motorsport-Total, Wolff said, "I wonder who put my name into circulation. Maybe there is an agenda there with the intention of sowing uncertainty."

Respected motorsport news site RaceFans got the ball rolling by reporting that with Carey set to retire at the end of 2020 Wolff could fit the bill to lead the sport thereafter, after all he has become the most successful team chief in the history of the sport.

He is also much younger than the man he would succeed and has the kind of image, people skills and persona that the sport could do with at the helm.

Some reports went as far as claiming interviews were held between the two parties but, according to the 47-year-old Austrian, this appears to be well off the mark, "Funny thing is that none of this happened, I did not apply for a job."

"Competition on the track, the stopwatch, that's for me, participation in the team is good for me and that I have with Mercedes, such a sensational brand. If you change to the other side, it is all about business but what gives me the biggest kick is the stopwatch."

History shows that Wolff was instrumental in making Mercedes what it is today - the mightiest team in F1 - and, although his contract is up for renewal at the end of 2020, he does have 30 percent shares in the team.

Meanwhile, it is not certain how long Mercedes will continue in F1 but indications are that new Daimler CEO Ola Källenius is set to commit until at least 2025.

From team boss to F1 chief is a big step no matter how it is looked at, and Wolff is positive about the future, "F1 is an incredibly exciting platform. I think we have a real chance to make it the largest sports spectacle in the world.

"To do so, we need to nurture and nurture our current audience and fans, and open up new audiences that we have not won yet, as well as new technologies. I sincerely hope, as Mercedes team boss that we, and all other teams, can benefit from the growth of F1," added Wolff.

Others tipped for the top F1 job include Formula E promoter Alejandro Agag, Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/06/28/hamilton-im-conflicted-but-toto-could-do-a-pretty-special-job-as-f1-boss/