Desert Island Discs

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Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Desert Island Discs: Toto Wolff, Formula 1 executive

30/07/2023

Toto Wolff, Formula 1 executive

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Toto Wolff, Formula 1 executive

Toto Wolff, Formula 1 executive, shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren Laverne.

Toto Wolff, Formula 1 executive, shares the eight tracks, book and luxury item he would take with him if cast away to a desert island. With Lauren Laverne.

Toto Wolff is CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes Formula 1 motor racing team. He has led the team to an unprecedented seven consecutive drivers’ championships – six with Lewis Hamilton - and eight consecutive constructors' championships. He is the most successful manager in Formula 1 history, and arguably one of the most successful managers in any sport. 

Toto was born Torger Wolff in Vienna. When he was eight his father was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died when Toto was 15. Toto found himself looking after his mother and sister from a young age which he believes contributed to the strength of character he developed as an adult.

Toto's original ambition in motorsport was to be a driver, and he started competing in his late teens. Following the deaths of drivers Ayrton Senna and then Roland Ratzenberger, his sponsor withdrew support, which forced him to give up his dream. He turned his attention to business and made a fortune as an entrepreneur.  

In 2009 he bought a stake in the Williams Formula 1 team and four years later bought a 30% stake in the Mercedes team.  

Toto is married to the former racing driver Susie Stoddart and they divide their time between the UK and Monaco.  Their six-year-old son Jack is already showing an interest in karting. 

DISC ONE: Unfinished Sympathy - Massive Attack  
DISC TWO: Mama - Genesis 
DISC THREE: Money Can’t Buy It - Annie Lennox 
DISC FOUR: Iron Sky - Paolo Nutini 
DISC FIVE: We Are The Champions – Queen
DISC SIX: Another Day in Paradise - Phil Collins  
DISC SEVEN: Fallen - Lauren Wood  
DISC EIGHT: The Power of Love - Frankie Goes to Hollywood 

BOOK CHOICE:  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
LUXURY ITEM: Diving fins and a mask
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Fallen - Lauren Wood  

Presenter  Lauren Laverne
Producer  Paula McGinley

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Toto Wolff, Formula 1 executive

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