Audio By Carbonatix
Toto Wolff is in advanced talks to sell part of his shareholding in the Mercedes Formula 1 team.
The deal values Mercedes at £4.6bn - a record for an F1 team - after McLaren was valued at £3.5bn in a change of ownership structure in September.
Wolff, who owns one-third of Mercedes F1, would sell a shareholding in the region of 5%.
The 53-year-old would stay on as team principal and chief executive officer if the sale goes through.
The deal was first reported by Sportico, and BBC Sport has independently verified that the information is accurate.
The other shareholders in the team are Mercedes and chemicals giant Ineos, who each also own a third of the company.
A Mercedes spokesperson said, "We will be making no comment on this. The governance of the team will remain unchanged, and all three partners are fully committed to the ongoing success of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One."
The deal would represent a significant increase in the value of Mercedes F1 since Ineos bought its stake for £208m in 2022.
The rise reflects the growth in valuations of F1 teams in the past few years as a consequence of the increasing appeal of the sport around the world.
This was also seen in the success of the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, which was released last summer and has grossed more than $630m (£458m) at the box office. It is Pitt's most successful film and the most successful sports movie.
Mercedes are second in the constructors' championship, behind McLaren, with three races remaining this season.
Their lead driver, George Russell, has won two of the 21 grands prix this year and is fourth in the drivers' championship behind McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
The team won a record eight consecutive constructors' championships and seven drivers' titles, six for Lewis Hamilton and one for Nico Rosberg, between 2014 and 2021.
Latest Stories
-
Kpebu doubts claims that Akufo-Addo administration interfered with Special Prosecutor
52 minutes -
It’s difficult to believe everything the OSP says – Manasseh Awuni
1 hour -
I would’ve blocked Ofori-Atta from leaving Ghana if I were Special Prosecutor – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
I’m headed for public office, but not the OSP role – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
I will only submit my allegations to a board, not the OSP’s subordinates – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
‘I’m still a bit traumatised’ – Martin Kpebu recounts alleged abuse during OSP arrest
2 hours -
Martin Kpebu dismisses claims he seeks to become Special Prosecutor
2 hours -
Martin Kpebu denies verbally abusing OSP officers, says allegations are fabricated
2 hours -
Mahama arrives in Doha for 2025 Doha Forum engagements
3 hours -
Milo U13 Champs: Ahafo’s Adrobaa set for thrilling final with Franko International of Western North
5 hours -
Ghana’s HIV crisis: Stigma drives new infections as AIDS Commission bets on AI and six-month injectables
6 hours -
First Ladies unite in Accra to champion elimination of mother-to-child HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B transmission
7 hours -
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
8 hours -
Notorious Ashaiman robber arrested in joint police operation
8 hours -
Judge sets key dates after video evidence hurdle in Nana Agradaa appeal case
9 hours
