Toto Wolff will not be present at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend. Bradley Lord, Mercedes Deputy Team Principal, will lead the team trackside in Baku.
Wolff’s absence is attributed to a demanding schedule and the extensive Formula 1 calendar. It is not an unusual occurrence for him to miss certain race weekends.
Earlier this season, Wolff also did not attend the Japanese Grand Prix. No specific reason beyond scheduling conflicts was provided for either absence.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the beginning of a crucial triple-header, a demanding sequence of races leading towards the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Mercedes enters this period with Kimi Antonelli holding an 81-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship. The team aims to consolidate its position.
Wolff previously cautioned the team about the importance of consistency, thorough preparation, and flawless operational execution during this critical phase.
He also noted that Mercedes could either strengthen or lose its championship standing significantly during this demanding run of events.
The Baku City Circuit is known for its unique characteristics, requiring strong straight-line speed, confident braking, and effective low-speed cornering.
During Thursday’s practice sessions, George Russell topped both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2. Kimi Antonelli experienced limited running due to hydraulic issues and an engine change.
Bradley Lord downplayed Mercedes’ apparent pace advantage from practice, suggesting differing run plans among teams skewed the initial timings.
