F1 News: Toto Wolff Reveals His Replacement - "Have To Give Him Time"

D’Ambrosio Tapped to Lead Mercedes in Wolff's Absence

Toto Wolff has designated Jerome d’Ambrosio as his stand-in for the team principal role at Mercedes during his absence. d’Ambrosio, a former Marussia F1 driver and current driver development director at Mercedes, has rapidly gained Wolff's trust since joining the team.

Toto Wolff, the team principle of the Brackley-based team, has recently shed light on his succession plan within Mercedes, highlighting Jerome d’Ambrosio's meteoric rise since joining the team. D’Ambrosio, who transitioned from the Marussia Formula 1 racing cockpit to Mercedes' executive halls, has now secured the critical role of standing in for Wolff if he fails to attend a race.

Toto Wolff On Jerome D’Ambrosio

“When I am absent on a race weekend, Jerome will replace me,” he told

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. “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.”

He continued:

“Jerome 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.

“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 per cent intelligent things, and 50 per cent 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."

This sort of language from Wolff makes me wonder whether he has his eventual retirement in mind. But regardless, if this man has confidence in d'Ambrosio, it's fair to say that we should trust his instincts.