Media Kampung – 21 Maret 2026 | Mercedes-Benz Formula One team announced the promotion of Bradley Lord to deputy team principal, formalising duties he has performed informally for several seasons.
The decision was disclosed by team principal and CEO Toto Wolff during a status update that highlighted organisational changes ahead of the upcoming championship round.
Lord, who joined Mercedes in 2013 after a stint with the Mercedes car division, previously served as chief communications officer.
His career in Formula One began in 2001 as a press officer for the Benetton outfit, a role that continued after the team’s acquisition by Renault.
Over the past two years Lord frequently represented the squad at Grand Prix events when Wolff was unavailable, acting as the team’s de facto second‑in‑command.
Wolff explained that the expansion of the sport and the team’s operations required a clearer leadership structure to maintain performance standards.
“Our team has grown substantially and the senior responsibilities have broadened,” Wolff said, emphasizing that his own remit remains unchanged.
He added that Lord’s elevation will “enhance the capability of our leadership group and provide continued support for me as team principal and CEO.”
The appointment marks the first time Mercedes has filled the deputy team principal post since the exit of Jerome D’Ambrosio in 2023.
D’Ambrosio, a former Belgian driver turned development director, left the organisation for Ferrari together with performance director Loic Serra earlier this year.
With Lord’s promotion, Mercedes aims to solidify a management team that can respond swiftly to the increasing tactical and logistical demands of modern Formula One.
The new deputy will report directly to Wolff and collaborate closely with heads of engineering, strategy and operations.
Internal sources indicated that Lord’s responsibilities will now include oversight of race‑weekend execution and coordination of the team’s communication strategy.
The move is also seen as recognition of Lord’s long‑standing loyalty, having spent more than a decade within the Mercedes stable.
Analysts view the restructuring as a proactive step to preserve the team’s competitive edge after consecutive championship victories.
“Mercedes is ensuring that its leadership depth matches the sport’s rapid evolution,” noted a senior F1 commentator.
The promotion comes as the sport prepares for regulatory changes scheduled for the 2026 season, which will affect power unit specifications and cost caps.
Wolff reiterated that the core technical direction of the car will remain under the guidance of technical director James Allison and chief designer Mike Elliott.
He also confirmed that his own focus will stay on overall strategy, sponsor relations and long‑term development programmes.
The announcement was accompanied by official photographs of Wolff and Lord at the Mercedes headquarters, underscoring the collaborative nature of the partnership.
Mercedes fans and stakeholders responded positively on social media, praising the internal career progression and stability it brings to the team.
The team will implement the new hierarchy immediately, with Lord assuming his duties ahead of the next race weekend.
Wolff concluded the briefing by stating that the refined structure positions Mercedes to continue delivering top‑tier results in a fiercely contested championship.
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