F1 team principals gather for dinner in Imola but there is a notable absence – PHOTO. F1 Team Principals dined together in Imola ahead of the Grand Prix.

On Friday in Imola, the F1 Team Principals decided to have dinner together. But there was one notable absentee at the table.

A couple of hours to disconnect from the stress of the paddock. That’s the idea behind the dinner among the F1 Team Principals on Friday night of the Imola GP, documented in several photos shared on social media. It’s certainly not unusual, as these gatherings happen on various occasions throughout the season.

Moreover, the start of the European leg of the season also coincides with the home race weekend for Stefano Domenicali. The CEO of Formula 1 was born near the circuit dedicated to Enzo and Dino Ferrari and attended the Friday night dinner in Emilia. Also present was Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport director, who has always maintained close ties with the Team Principals.

A Notable Absence at the Team Principals’ Table

Between typical dishes of the Emilia region and a glass of Sangiovese, the team principals gathered to unwind for a few hours from the stresses of the race weekend. But a quick look at the photo shared across social media reveals a notable absence. It was Toto Wolff, who had already announced he would be away from the paddock—this coinciding with Kimi Antonelli’s first F1 weekend in Italy.

The Mercedes team boss had flown to the United States to attend his son’s graduation. An unmissable event, and with a season spanning 24 races, the trip also gave Wolff a chance to recharge. In his place, Bradley Lord took over team responsibilities, as he had during the Suzuka weekend.

What might the nine Team Principals have discussed? It’s hard to imagine that they didn’t touch on current and future F1 topics, even if there was surely room for lighter moments too.