Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff Believes George Russell Is Entering His Prime, Insists He Was Never “Overshadowed” by Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed confidence that George Russell is entering his best form in Formula 1, while also clarifying that Russell was never “overshadowed” by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton during their time as teammates at Mercedes.
Russell has seamlessly transitioned into the team’s lead driver for the 2025 season, following Hamilton’s departure. The legendary driver has been replaced by Wolff’s young protégé, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. With this shift, Russell’s role within the team has evolved, as he now assumes a greater leadership position.
As the 2025 season progresses, Russell has proven his abilities, securing three podium finishes in the first five races, including a strong second-place finish in Bahrain behind Lando Norris. This impressive result came despite multiple technical issues with the W16 car’s systems.
Russell’s contract is set to expire at the end of 2025, and there is potential for the team to make a move for Max Verstappen, should the Dutch driver decide to leave Red Bull. If Wolff were able to persuade Verstappen to make the switch from Milton Keynes to Brackley, it is likely that Russell would have to make space for him. However, Wolff is quick to emphasize his satisfaction with Russell’s performances, which are among the best of his career.
“Interestingly, Lewis was always the most experienced driver, our number one driver,” said Wolff. “But George, who was never overshadowed by Lewis, is now at his peak, or at the beginning of it.”
“He is now clearly the most experienced driver in the team – the one delivering results, taking responsibility, saying the right things, and stepping up in ways I couldn’t have hoped for better than this.”
“For now, with George and Kimi, there’s no doubt we have a very strong driver lineup for the future. There’s no pressure, George is driving at the highest level, just as we hoped and expected. He’s delivering results, and that’s unquestionable – you can’t ask for more than that.”
But what if Verstappen becomes available for Mercedes? Wolff, who hasn’t ruled out that possibility, responded, “For now, that’s not the case,” but it would undoubtedly be a matter for serious consideration if the opportunity arose.
Some paddock insiders believe that Wolff’s recent statements indicate he may now be less interested in Verstappen, given the strong performances and harmony shown by Russell and Antonelli. Wolff has also reassured Russell, stating that a new contract should be signed “very soon.”
“He already has a contract. It’s just a matter of finalizing the last details of a new one if we decide to extend it together,” Wolff explained.
And when will the rumors finally stop? “Before the summer, I think,” concluded Toto Wolff.
