Why is Toto Wolff absent from the Imola Grand Prix?

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is sitting out the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola this weekend to attend his son's graduation.

Wolff's 23-year-old son, Benedict, is graduating from the University of Southern California this weekend. Because of this, the Mercedes chief remained in the United States following the Miami Grand Prix to attend the milestone moment.

When the Formula 1 calendar expanded to 24 races, Wolff was keen to build a structure within the team which would mean that he and other colleagues would not be needed at all races. He explained to the media in 2023:

“The clear aim is to build a structure for the future and that is my sheer responsibility for the team. A stone could fall on my head and how does it look afterwards? That is why I would like to see myself in a few years maybe not going to 24 races, and just to 15.

“But that is many years away. I see myself in this role for a long time. I cannot imagine doing something else.

“I really struggled in 2020 to make a decision on whether I wanted to stay active in the sport or to be a shareholder and go back to my finance world. I was tired, mentally and physically, but then I came to the realisation that I wanted to continue.

“I feel I am contributing to the team in the crossover world of finance and motor racing, and I have a passion for both, and that is why I continue to do it.”

Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images

Wolff has also argued that the F1 calendar cannot expand further than 24 races. He explained to ORF last year:

“We’re over the limit.

“People like me travel comfortably, but the mechanics who set up and dismantle the car are flying economy. You can see in people’s faces now – it can’t go on anymore.”

Who has replaced Toto Wolff at Imola this weekend?

As was the case on previous occasions, team representative and chief communications officer Bradley Lord has assumed Wolff's responsibilities for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Despite missing the race, Wolff shared a video call with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antontelli before he clocked off to spend time with his family. The team shared the moment on social media: