The crisis that the Mercedes is going through in this period is very visible. For the third year in a row, the German team has not designed the car as it has been done since the beginning of the hybrid era. Philosophy first”zero sidepods”, now a single-seater that doesn't seem to be on par with those of Red Bull or Ferrari.
Toto Wolff absent from the Japanese GP, but everything is planned
Next stop a Suzuka it will be a really important test for all the teams. A treacherous circuit, where a well-built car makes the difference. It will therefore be vitally important for the Silver Arrows to do well on Japanese soil. However, they themselves will have to do without Toto Wolff who will be absent from the Japanese GP. The team principal of the German team will remain at his home in Monaco, from where he will follow the race. However, this isn't the first time we've seen him skip his appointment in Japan. For example, in 2023, due to a knee problem he had to give up this stage and the one in Qatar. This absence, however, had already occurred programmed, given the very busy calendar and the 24 races to be played. Therefore, there is no alarm at Mercedes, and the currently disappointing performances do not seem to destabilize the 8-time constructors' champions.
Wolff absent, who will replace him in Japan?
Without a shadow of a doubt, replacing a figure like Toto it is not easy. When he was injured last year, it was he who took his place Jérôme D'Ambrosio. This is the head of the Mercedes Junior Team, which is the young driver program of the Brackley-based team. His possible departure at the end of the season could make us understand that he will not be the one to replace Wolff. Most likely his tasks will be divided among the people with the most experience in the sector.
Article by Francesco Orlando
