Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will be absent from the Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend, missing the first home race of the season for rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The Austrian has already missed one race this campaign – the Japanese Grand Prix – after announcing earlier in the season he will not be present for all the rounds.
Mercedes representative and communications chief Bradley Lord will take his place, as he did at Suzuka, to oversee the young Italian’s first F1 race on home soil.
Having been chosen by Wolff to replace the irreplaceable in Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli has shined so far, lying sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, seven points ahead of the seven time champion.
In the six Grands Prix contested so far, Antonelli has finished in the points in all bar one, as well as taking a stunning pole position for the Miami Sprint Race.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week after the Miami weekend, Antonelli said this race is “definitely going to be a special one,” adding that he will be trying additionally hard to perform with Imola due to come off the calendar after this year.
“It’s going to feel weird that I’m going to be sleeping at home,” he said. “So it’s definitely a special one and apparently it’s also the last year for Imola. So I really want to make the best out of it because it’s going to be a special one.”
Kimi Antonelli keeps ‘expectations low’ but has ‘extra energy’ from family and friends’ support
Kimi Antonelli was keen to not get his partisan fans’ hopes up after such a momentous showing in Miami, becoming the youngest-ever driver to take an F1 pole position.
“I always try for myself to keep expectations low,” he said. “Of course, I go on track and try to do my best.
“Of course, qualifying was really special this weekend and it would be good to repeat myself in Imola as well.”
However, he will be boosted and buoyed by the support he will receive at the race from some of the people closest to him, who will be in attendance.
“I’ve got some of my best friends, for sure, at the weekend and my whole family. It’s going to be really nice to have them.
“Extra support and extra good energy for the weekend.”
READ MORE: Mercedes to bring F1 updates to Imola as it looks to ‘make gains’ on McLaren
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