Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Toto Wolff Spotted in $1 Million Mercedes as F1 2026 Nears

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 2:50 AM ET

Monte Carlo has no shortage of rare machinery, but even by Monaco standards, Toto and Susie Wolff turned heads this week.

The Mercedes F1 team principal and F1 Academy managing director were spotted cruising the principality in a Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster, one of the most iconic and collectible cars ever produced by the German marque.

The relaxed drive offered a striking contrast to the high-pressure world both are deeply involved in as F1 approaches a defining new era.

A Roadster With Legendary Status

Produced between 1957 and 1963, the 300 SL Roadster succeeded the famous Gullwing coupe, a model that also features in Wolff’s private collection. The roadster variant was designed to deliver grand touring comfort without sacrificing performance, and it remains a cornerstone of Mercedes’ automotive legacy.

Under the hood sits a three-liter straight-six engine, producing 215 horsepower. While modest by modern standards, the figures were exceptional for the time, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.

With just 1,858 units ever built, the 300 SL Roadster is now valued between $1 million and $1.5 million, placing it firmly among the most sought-after classic sports cars in the world.

A Collection Fit for an F1 Power Broker

The roadster is only one piece of Wolff’s extensive automotive portfolio. His collection is understood to include a Mercedes-AMG ONE, as well as past ownership of ultra-rare machines such as the Ferrari F40, Ferrari La Ferrari, Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes-Benz SL 65, and more.

The Monaco outing served as a reminder that Wolff’s appreciation for engineering excellence spans generations, from post-war icons to cutting-edge hybrid hypercars.

Mercedes Eyes a New F1 Chapter in 2026

The timing of the sighting is notable. Formula 1 is on the brink of its 2026 regulation overhaul, which will introduce new power unit rules, increased electrification, and significant aerodynamic changes.

Mercedes famously dominated the sport during the 2014-2021 hybrid era, and expectations remain high that the Brackley-based team could once again emerge as a benchmark. Wolff, however, has been cautious in setting expectations.

“I’m a notorious pessimist,” Wolff admitted in a Mercedes debrief video. “The glass is always half empty rather than half full.”

He emphasized that while internal targets have been set for both the power unit and chassis, execution and continuous development will determine success over the course of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: