F1 NEWS: Mercedes Announce Toto Wolff’s Stand-in for Japanese GP after…read more
F1 NEWS: Mercedes Announce Toto Wolff’s Stand-in for Japanese GP after…read more
Mercedes have confirmed that team principal Toto Wolff will not be attending the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, just as he did last season at Suzuka.
According to the team, Wolff will be managing operations remotely as planned, with the demands of the extensive 24-race schedule being a key factor in his decision. In 2024, he took a similar approach while recovering from surgery. In his absence, Chief Communications Officer Bradley Lord will take over his trackside duties, including media responsibilities, throughout the race weekend.
Wolff’s nonattendance at Suzuka was pre-scheduled, and he is expected to return to his usual leadership role at the next race in Bahrain.
Strong Start to 2025 for Wolff and Mercedes
Although not the pre-season favorites for the championship, Mercedes have made an impressive start to the 2025 campaign, securing podium finishes in both opening races.
George Russell has finished third in both the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, leaving him just one point behind Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship standings. Meanwhile, rookie Kimi Antonelli has had a solid debut season, securing fourth place in Melbourne and sixth in Shanghai. His consistency has placed him ahead of his predecessor, Lewis Hamilton, in the standings.
Antonelli also has a unique opportunity at Suzuka. A victory at the Japanese Grand Prix would make him the youngest race winner in Formula 1 history, surpassing Verstappen’s record, which was set at 18 years and 228 days. Antonelli will be 18 years and 203 days old on race day, making this his last chance to break the record before April 8.
With Mercedes showing strong early-season form, both Russell and Antonelli will be aiming to build on their momentum and challenge for further success at Suzuka.
