Toto Wolff 'CANCELS plans to skip this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix' with the Mercedes team principal set to make the trip amid their dismal start to the season

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reportedly cancelled plans to miss the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. 

Reports last month claimed the plans for the 52-year-old to be absent in Suzuka had been made prior to the start of the season and were unrelated to the team's performance. 

The original plans would have seen Wolff on the intercom remotely throughout the race at the Suzuka Circuit with additional duties to be divided between senior members of the Brackley team.

However, a disastrous start to the campaign for Mercedes has reportedly caused the team principal to reconsider.

According to a report from Sky Sports, a change of schedule will see Wolff present at the fourth round of the campaign.

The Silver Arrows endured a disastrous weekend at the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne's Albert Park with Lewis Hamilton's engine expiring on lap 17, while teammate George Russell was seventh when he crashed out.

The disappointing result sees Mercedes fourth in the 2024 Constructor Standings, 71 points behind Red Bull.

Speaking following the Australian Grand Prix Wolff admitted it was 'fair' to question whether he is still the right person for the job. 

‘As a co-owner of this business I need to make sure my contribution is positive and creative so I would be the first one to say that, if somebody has a better idea, tell me because I am entrusted to turn this team around as quickly as possible.' He said.

'I would give my input as to who that could be but we have a physics problem and not a philosophical or organisational one.

‘We have not swallowed a dumb pill since 2021 (when Hamilton lost out on the final lap in controversial circumstances to Verstappen).

‘We don’t understand some of the behaviours of the car and in the past we would have. 

'I look at myself in the mirror every single day about everything I do and if I believe I should ask the “manager question”. It is a fair question, but it is not what I feel at the moment that I should (quit).'