Family first: Wolff to miss Imola for proud personal milestone

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will not be standing post in his team’s garage at next weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix — marking his second absence from the Formula 1 calendar this season.

While his decision to skip Suzuka earlier this year was in line with his now customary schedule, Wolff’s choice to sit out Imola has a more personal – and celebratory – motivation, one where family takes precedence over the relentless F1 schedule.

The 53-year-old will be in the United States attending the graduation of his eldest son, Benedict, according to RacingNews365.

It's a milestone moment the Austrian clearly wasn’t going to miss, even with the race weekend being a special one for Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who will be racing in front of his home fans for the first time in F1.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff with his son Benedict in Miami earlier this month.

Wolff is father to three children: Benedict and Rosa, from a previous marriage, and Jack, his youngest son with Formula Academy boss Susie Stoddart. Known for his sharp leadership and deep dedication to the team, the Mercedes chief’s absence will nevertheless leave the Brackley squad in very capable hands.

Bradley Lord, the team's chief communications officer, will once again step in to assume Wolff’s on-site responsibilities — as he did at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this year.

Read also:

Wolff: Hamilton ‘magic’ still alive, just waiting to shine

On the racing front, Mercedes heads into Round 7 of the season riding high. George Russell secured a podium in Miami, his fourth of the campaign, while Antonelli claimed his first pole position in the sprint format.

Russell now trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by just 38 points, and Mercedes sits second in the constructors' standings with 141 points — comfortably ahead of Red Bull’s 105.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.