Mercedes without Wolff in Baku: team principal absent for the Grand Prix

Mercedes is entering an important phase of the Formula 1 season in Azerbaijan, but will do so without Wolff in his familiar spot in the garage. The Austrian is not traveling to Baku and will follow the race weekend remotely. Deputy team principal Bradley Lord will replace him in Azerbaijan.

It is not unusual for Wolff to skip a Grand Prix occasionally, especially with a capable replacement like Lord available. For instance, the Austrian was not in Suzuka earlier this season for the Japanese Grand Prix. There was no special reason for his absence then, either.

Mercedes begins in Baku with the first of three triple-headers heading into the end of the season. Wolff warned his team in advance that a lot can change precisely during this stretch. Reliability, preparation, and execution during the race weekends are, according to him, becoming increasingly important.

Wolff also noted that Mercedes could both strengthen and lose its position in the championship during this run. He himself will therefore not witness the first showdown of this crucial period up close.