Mercedes team principal has revealed that driver development director Jerome D’Ambrosio will replace him as team principal when the Austrian isn’t present.
With the Formula 1 calendar continuing to grow, several teams have started to rotate which employees travel, although this hasn’t been seen much amongst the team principals.
Wolff did miss the Brazilian Grand Prix last season, where George Russell claimed his maiden F1 victory, in what was a shock Mercedes 1-2.
In total, Wolff has only missed three races since becoming Mercedes’ team principal, meaning that D’Ambrosio likely won’t be in charge often.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
D’Ambrosio is, of course, an ex-F1 driver, who recently moved to the Silver Arrows in his new role having switched from Venturi in Formula E.
D’Ambrosio had been Venturi’s team principal last season, before leaving prior to the 2023 season.
He’s effectively taken James Vowles’ position at Mercedes, following his move to Williams.
Wolff is clearly impressed by D’Ambrosio’s influence in the team, enough so to make him team principal when the Austrian isn’t present.
“When I am absent on a race weekend, Jérome will replace me,” Wolff told Auto Hebdo. “It is true that in 11 years it has only happened three times, but it is a situation that we have to anticipate.
“Now, he has to gain credibility within the team and in the paddock, he still has time, but in case I can’t be there, he will be in my place.”
Wolff is particuarly impressed by how well D’Ambrosio did in Formula E with Venturi, whilst noting that he’s already making a strong contribution to Mercedes.
“Jérôme did a very good job last year with his role at Venturi. A small structure, which obviously has nothing to do with ours, which still has 2,500 people,” Wolff added.
READ: Red Bull make huge claim after Toto Wolff accusation
“However, he is involved and I must even say that half of his interventions during the grands prix are sensible.
“I assure you that this is already a remarkable score, James Allison often told me that I said 50 percent intelligent things, and 50 percent nonsense.
“More seriously, you have to give him time, but I have the impression that he has the right profile to take on this role.”