Toto Wolff, the sharp-witted team principal of Mercedes' Formula 1 squad, has a counterintuitive approach to success: he swears by "negative thinking." Instead of blind optimism, he focuses on anticipating every possible failure to stay ahead. Oh, and he’s also dipping into Hollywood—he’s an executive producer for the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt.

Editor’s Note: Wolff’s mindset flips the usual self-help script—instead of "think positive," it’s "prepare for the worst." For F1 fans, it’s a peek into how one of the sport’s top minds operates. And for everyone else? Well, Brad Pitt in a racing movie doesn’t hurt.