P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes is set to operate the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix weekend without Toto Wolff, who will not attend the event.
Mercedes Formula 1 Team Principal Toto Wolff will miss the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. He is skipping the round, but it is unrelated to the recent struggles the team faced in Australia. Lewis Hamilton retired due to a Power Unit issue, while George Russell crashed out. Wolff acknowledged criticism of his leadership post-Australian Grand Prix. His absence from the race is reportedly due to a decision made before the season began. Last year, Wolff missed the Japanese Grand Prix due to knee surgery, with Jerome D’Ambrosio subbing in; however, D’Ambrosio is now with Ferrari. Mercedes’ current fourth place in the World Championship after three races is its worst start in the turbo hybrid era since 2014.
