Toto Wolff to MISS Imola Grand Prix as Mercedes Confirm R...read more

Toto Wolff to Miss Imola Grand Prix as Mercedes Confirm Replacement Antonelli Prepares for Emotional Home Debut

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will not be in the paddock for this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, as the Austrian takes time away from Formula 1 to attend a personal family milestone. Wolff will be in the United States to celebrate the graduation of his eldest son, Benedict — a special occasion that he had scheduled into his calendar well in advance.

This will be Wolff’s second absence of the 2025 season. He previously sat out the Japanese Grand Prix last month under similar circumstances, adhering to a carefully managed schedule that balances his intense F1 commitments with family priorities.

A spokesperson for Mercedes confirmed to GPFans that in Wolff’s absence, the team’s chief communications officer, Bradley Lord, will once again assume his operational responsibilities at the track. Lord, who filled the same role at Suzuka, will be overseeing garage activities and acting as the team’s point of leadership throughout the Imola weekend.

Focus Shifts to Antonelli’s Home Debut

Wolff’s absence will not dampen the excitement surrounding what promises to be a landmark weekend for Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who is set to make his debut on home soil in front of an expectant Italian crowd.

At just 18 years old, Antonelli’s promotion to the Mercedes F1 team — stepping into the seat previously held by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton — was one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 season. Initially met with skepticism due to his limited F1 experience, Antonelli has defied expectations with a mature and composed start to his rookie campaign.

After six races, the young Italian sits an impressive sixth in the drivers’ standings, one spot ahead of Hamilton, who now drives for Ferrari. Antonelli’s rapid adaptation to F1 machinery and his calm under pressure have earned him widespread praise throughout the paddock.

“Imola is going to be incredibly special,” Antonelli said in the team’s pre-race press release. “Racing in front of my home fans as a Mercedes driver is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. I’m focused, and I want to give them something to cheer for.”

Momentum Building for Mercedes

Both Antonelli and teammate George Russell head into the Imola round riding a wave of momentum following a strong performance at the Miami Grand Prix. Antonelli achieved his first F1 pole position during Saturday’s sprint qualifying — a significant milestone that further cemented his status as a rising star in the sport.

Russell, meanwhile, delivered a measured and strategic drive to claim his fourth podium finish in six races, helping Mercedes solidify their place near the top of the constructors’ standings. The Brackley-based outfit currently sit second, trailing runaway leaders McLaren but edging out Red Bull.

While Mercedes continue to fine-tune their car’s performance, the team has shown clear improvements in both qualifying and race pace, signaling a genuine resurgence after a challenging 2024 campaign.

Leadership in Wolff’s Absence

Though Wolff’s absence will be felt in the paddock, the team is confident in its ability to operate seamlessly under Bradley Lord’s temporary stewardship. Lord’s familiarity with the team and its operations, combined with the stability of Mercedes’ technical leadership, ensures continuity as they chase another strong result.

Mercedes’ engineering team, led by technical director James Allison and trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin, will continue to drive strategic decisions from the pit wall. Wolff, despite not being physically present, is expected to stay in close contact with the team throughout the weekend.

As F1 returns to the iconic Imola circuit, the stage is set for a weekend filled with storylines: a rising star racing at home, a team on the rise, and a leader stepping aside to celebrate life’s milestones. For Mercedes, the mission is clear — keep pushing forward, with or without their boss on the ground.