Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirms George Russell‘s status within the Silver Arrows. Amid ongoing contract negotiations, the Austrian labels the Brit as the ‘number one driver’ within Mercedes, comparing Russell to his former teammate Lewis Hamilton. Although the driver will likely have to wait until after the summer break for a contract extension, he already has a few compliments from Wolff in his pocket.
George Russell is still waiting for a contract extension, but can already receive a significant compliment from team boss Toto Wolff. While negotiations for a new contract for the Brit are still underway, the Austrian gives his clearest approval to Russell so far in a video for Mercedes fans.
“When I look at George, I see the development he has made since he came from Williams, where he was already a fast guy, to Formula 1. Then he joined Mercedes and had to compete against the greatest of all greats: Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff explains. “And you already saw last year that he was getting stronger in terms of pure pace. He was, in terms of results, then the stronger driver.” Russell finished with 22 World Championship points more and one place higher than Hamilton in the drivers’ championship.
Number One Driver
Wolff also praises Russell for his professionalism and dedication to the team. “He performs, even when the car is not good enough. He then performs better than the car actually allows. Therefore, you can always count on George. In addition to driving, he also works great with our partners and helps us expand our brand.” The Austrian team boss then confirms the driver’s status within the Silver Arrows: “We couldn’t wish for a better number one driver.”
