F1 is midway through one of its most exciting seasons in recent memory on the track, but off it there is growing awareness of mental health.
Drivers and teams alike are opening up about mental health issues, from Lando Norris speaking about his journey ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to Alpine announcing a mental health partnership with JAAQ.
The latest figure in sport to speak out on the issue? Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. talk Sky Sports F1 Silver Arrows manager and analyst Martin Brundle has spoken about his own mental health struggles and how seeking help turned it around.
“I struggled with these things for months and couldn’t think clearly, but I realized there were a lot of benefits,” Wolf said. Sky Sports F1Martin Brundle.
“I call it my superpower, and it’s something I want to give as hope to people with mental illness. When I was in a really bad place, I would think, ‘That person doesn’t have what I have,’ so that person can be more successful.”
“I pretty much know what it takes for people to perform,” Wolff continued, “which is why I speak so openly about it. That’s why, even if you’re smiling for the cameras in F1 and you’re calm and successful, you still struggle. It’s not like you wake up every day and say, wow, what an amazing life I have.”
Wolf said seeking help, including speaking to a psychologist, has been a powerful change in his life.
“I’ve always wanted help. I’ve always had doubts since I was young. I had some bad days so I decided to see a psychologist,” the Mercedes boss said.
“I’ve consulted psychologists, I’ve consulted cognitive behavioral therapists, none of the treatments I’ve tried because I just want to optimize how I solve the problem quickly. I’ve probably spent over 300 to 350 hours talking.”
“I like this stress. Trying to solve problems. Never giving up, even if I get knocked down a hundred times. In a way, I was born for these tough days.”
Mercedes have had a strong few weeks in recent years, with the Silver Arrows winning three of the last four races and closing in on Ferrari in third place in the F1 Constructors’ Championship. Chasing the teams at the top of the table and the looming decision on who will replace Lewis Hamilton when he moves to Ferrari will be the main themes in the second half of the season.
But Wolf’s willingness to speak out about his mental health issues, along with other teams and figures in the sport, should likely generate more buzz. The less stigma there is about seeking help, the better for everyone, and Wolf’s willingness to speak out on the subject is another step in that direction.
