Mercedes Formalizes Leadership Structure with Appointment of Bradley Lord as Deputy Team Principal

Toto Wolff formalizes Mercedes’ leadership by appointing long-time lieutenant Bradley Lord as Deputy Team Principal ahead of the Japanese GP.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 12:10 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Thomas Maher (PlanetF1.com)

Promoting a Trusted Lieutenant from Within

The appointment of Bradley Lord represents a strategic formalization of the inner circle at Mercedes’ Brackley headquarters. Lord, who joined the organization in 2011, has transitioned from his roots in communications to become one of Toto Wolff’s most visible and trusted advisors. In recent years, Lord has frequently stepped in as the team’s official representative at various Grand Prix weekends and has been a staple presence alongside Wolff in the Mercedes garage. This promotion acknowledges his expanded influence over the team’s broader operational and strategic direction, moving beyond the traditional scope of a communications lead.

Adapting to the Complexity of Modern Formula 1

In a statement following the announcement, Toto Wolff emphasized that the change is a response to the "scale and complexity" of modern F1 operations. As the sport continues its global acceleration, the responsibilities of a CEO and Team Principal have grown too vast for a single individual to manage without a formal deputy structure. The team explained that this evolution ensures responsibilities are distributed more efficiently across the senior leadership group. Lord’s immediate priority will be supporting Wolff during the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, where the two will work in tandem to oversee trackside operations.

Maintaining Continuity in Communications and Sustainability

Despite his new title, Bradley Lord will not be abandoning his previous core responsibilities. He will continue to lead Mercedes’ overall communications direction, supported by Adam McDaid, who serves as the head of media. Furthermore, Lord remains an integral part of the team’s sustainability initiatives and will continue working with Gwen LaGrue on the Mercedes young driver development program. Wolff clarified that his own role will not change "one millimeter," but that Lord’s formal status as Deputy Team Principal will provide the necessary executive bandwidth to manage the team's sustained growth.