Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff will be absent at this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola as he marks a special family occasion.

It is the second time the Austrian has opted to skip a race in 2025, having missed last month’s Japanese GP in keeping with his pre-arranged schedule.

A Mercedes spokesperson has confirmed to GPFans that Wolff will be replaced in the Silver Arrows garage by chief communications officer, Bradley Lord, who also stepped in to assume responsibilities in Suzuka.

Antonelli prepares for home bow

The rookie took over from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 campaign, and despite concerns over his lack of experience behind the wheel, has made an impressive start.

The 18-year-old currently occupies sixth spot in the drivers’ standings – one place better off than Hamilton – and has looked at ease in his new surroundings for much of the year.

Both Antonelli and team-mate George Russell head to Imola off the back of a positive weekend in Miami last time out as Mercedes’ impressive early season form continued.

The Brackley-based outfit find themselves second in the constructors’ championship, sandwiched between runaway leaders McLaren and Red Bull.