feature-image

Getty

feature-image

Getty

Mercedes F1 boss, Toto Wolff, has recently visited the Ukrainian refugees in Poland and, along with the UNHCR, has shared a heartfelt message regarding their sufferings.   

Watch What’s Trending Now!

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had far-ending consequences for both human beings and businesses around the world. Due to the conflict, people have been displaced from their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries as a result. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Toto and Susie Wolff combine forces with the UNHCR

Having recently collaborated with The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), both Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff explained the organization’s mission. “As someone who’s been affected by mental health myself,” the Mercedes Team Principal began saying.

“I know how important it is to find shelter, to speak to someone and to have a safe space. That’s exactly what exactly what the Blue Dots are here to deliver.”

Rokit Venturi CEO, Susie Wolff also chimed in her thoughts. She said, “There’s many Blue Dots in neighboring for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.” 

READ MORE: Andretti Fires Back at Mercedes’ ‘Disrespectful’ F1 Dilution Claim

Highlighting the importance of the initiative in order to help the refugees, the Wolffs showed their unwavering support for the cause.  

Mercedes Team Boss weighs in on the conflict

This isn’t the first time the Mercedes boss has talked about the Russian-Ukraine conflict. In an interview with Bloomberg, the Austrian delved into the issue. “Who would have thought that it’s possible to have a war in Europe. Formula 1 and sports in general appear so minuscule in that context,” he said. 

article-image

Getty

“So, we have decided not to race in Russia, and I think F1 has given a robust statement in that relation aligned with any other industries in the world.” 

Wolff also touched on the topic of former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin not being able to compete in F1 anymore. Toto said that Nikita merits being in Formula 1 and some of the sports leagues allow the participation of Russian athletes. 

Watch This Story: Mercedes Brings Formula One To The Streets With Its Latest Innovation

The Mercedes boss also expressed that it was a difficult time, given the complex nature of the situation. “We have Ukrainians and Russians on the team, certainly not easy for individuals that have families there.”

“So, it’s been tough times, certainly from a personal perspective,” he added. Toto closed his remarks with the comments that this conflict was close to his heart given his roots are Slavic. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Vaibhav Aatreya

137 Articles

Vaibhav Aatreya is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. His ever-growing passion for the sport, combined with his willingness to learn the inside workings of Formula 1, led him to pursue his graduation in Mechanical Engineering. Having been following the world of motorsports for many years now, Vaibhav loves to pen down his thoughts, giving his take on the ongoings in the sport. Come Sunday, he can be seen cheering for McLaren as he believes the 'papaya team', sooner rather than later, will return to their glory days. He is also an ardent supporter of Kamui Kobayashi and strongly feels that the Japanese driver deserved a better car to suit his talents in F1. When not rooting for the 8-time Constructors' Champions, he is either learning about aviation or binging science fiction shows on Netflix.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Ranvijay Singh

ADVERTISEMENT