Toto Wolff explains Japanese Grand Prix U-turn over Mercedes "wrong choice" fear

06 April 2024 , 18:24

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Toto Wolff will be present at the Japan GP (Image: Getty Images)

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has U-turned on his original stance and actually will be present for the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

Initially, the Austrian had planned to skip the event and instead take charge of the team's operations from home, as is the plan for several other races over the course of this 24-race Formula 1 season. However, in the face of what has been a dimsal start to the campaign for Mercedes, Wolff now will be in the Suzuka paddock.

Mercedes are in such dire straits, Wolff clearly feels his presence could help turn things around. Explaining the change of heart, he said: "I had planned not to come to Japan because there's so much on back in Europe, things to do, but then I felt not coming to Japan was the wrong choice.

"I think it's important to be with the race team also. It does me good also to be close to the action. We are experimenting with a few things and then being part of the team really gives me energy. I hope the other way around too. So that's why I decided against staying in Europe."

The 52-year-old put pen to paper on a new three-year deal to continue in his position as team principle earlier on this year.

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Last time out in Melbourne, A double DNF from both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell meant Mercedes left Australia with zero points. Given the first two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia brought just 26 points combined, Wolff's team now sit 72 points adrift of championship leaders Red Bull in the standings.

In the aftermath of the dismal showing Down Under, Wolff admitted it would be "fair" to question whether his reign should continue. "I look at myself in the mirror every single day about everything I do," the Mercedes chief conceded.

HAVE YOUR SAY!Was Wolff right to change his mind? Comment below

Toto Wolff has U-turned on his attendance at the Japan GP

"But (leaving) is not what I feel that I should do at the moment. If you have any ideas as to who could turn this round, I would happily listen to that. The big difference is, this is my job and if you ask the manager question, I cannot go to Chelsea or Liverpool or over toFerrari.

"I have not got that choice which is also unfortunate. I am not a contractor or an employee, who has said I have had enough of this. My hamster wheel keeps spinning and I cannot jump out. We always need to look at ourselves. I need to look at myself.

"And we are all humans. Data doesn't take decisions - humans do. I would be lying if I said I feel positive and optimistic about the situation. You need to overcome the negative thoughts and say, 'We will turn it around', but today it feels very, very, very brutal."

Josh O'Brien