Toto Wolff took the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR in Dubai, with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the passenger seat. But first, both removed their shoes. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team principal struggled to fit into the supercar.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is reportedly owned by the FIA President himself. It’s an incredibly rare vehicle, one of only 28 ever produced. Of those 28, six are roadsters, two are Super Sport versions, and 20 are coupes, like the one Toto Wolff test-drove on the Dubai track just before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Toto Wolff Enjoys Test Drive of FIA President’s Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: Shoes Off Before Entry
The CLK GTR is a special edition built to meet racing standards, based on the FIA GT1 race car. It features a mid-mounted, rear 6.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering 604 horsepower and 572 pound-feet (755 Nm) of torque.
It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). A 6-speed sequential manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. Its ultra-light construction keeps the weight of this powerful Mercedes-Benz in check at just 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg). Carbon composite brakes provide formidable stopping power.
Toto Wolff tested all these vehicles at the Dubai Autodrom in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem entrusted him with his prized Mercedes-Benz.
However, Wolff struggled to fit through the car’s gullwing doors. Standing at 6’5” (1.96 meters), his height has always been a challenge in his racing career, as F1 cars are designed for much shorter drivers.
He raced in the 1990s and early 2000s, debuting in Austrian Formula Ford, winning his class at the 1994 Nürburgring 24 Hours, and competing in FIA GT and Italian GT championships. He secured a class win and overall victory at the 2006 Dubai 24 Hours.
After realizing his friend Alexander Wurz outperformed him significantly in the same car, Wolff decided racing wasn’t his calling. He shifted focus to venture capitalism, founding Marchfifteen in 1998 and Marchsixteen in 2004 after a brief banking stint. Wolff dropped out of the Vienna University of Economics and Business after two years.
As one of Austria’s wealthiest individuals, Wolff’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion as of 2025. Despite his wealth, he doesn’t own a CLK GTR. Coupes range from $4.5–9 million, while roadsters fetch $10–13 million due to their rarity.
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas shareholder owns a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, one of Germany’s most expensive and complex cars to own, among other collectibles.
Footage from Dubai shows Wolff wearing socks after removing his shoes to enter the CLK GTR. The car’s owner also removed his shoes before the passenger seat, showcasing his respect for the high-performance Mercedes.
Before hitting the rented track, Wolff started the V12 engine. The exclusive lineup included a Koenigsegg Chimera, Regera, Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, and Mercedes-AMG One. Reports indicate Wolff drove the CLK GTR and both Koenigseggs.
