Mercedes System 1 workforce boss Toto Wolff says George Russell “deserves” his tag because the bookmakers’ favourite to win the 2026 title, however the workforce hasn’t proved itself but.
The 2026 overhaul laws is anticipated to reset the aggressive order in F1, although the highest 4 groups of McLaren, Purple Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari seem to to date stay the benchmark.
Mercedes loved an encouraging shakedown at Barcelona final week of its new automotive, whereas George Russell has emerged as the favourite to win the title amongst bookmakers.
Responding to this, Wolff instructed the media, together with Crash.internet, that “it is all the time good in case your driver is the favourite for the bookmakers, and I believe he deserves it, as a result of he is probably the greatest.
“He is proven us the place the efficiency of the automotive is, and been total greater than nice to us.
“But additionally, it is all the time one of the best driver and finest automotive wins.
“And we’ve not but confirmed we’ve got a package deal that’s adequate.
“We have not been within the warmth in Bahrain with the abrasive tarmac, which was all the time tough for us.
“So, I hope the bookmakers are proper. However I will imagine it when we’ve got workforce performances that might verify that.”
Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
© XPB Photos
Kimi Antonelli on proper path, however Wolff warns to maintain expectations in test
Wolff was additionally requested about his expectations for Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s second season in F1.
The veteran workforce boss believes Antonelli is “on the trajectory” Mercedes set out for him final 12 months, however does not really feel it is truthful to anticipate him to run Russell shut in a title battle at this stage.
“As for Kimi, he is utterly on the trajectory that we have all the time mapped out in the beginning of his first 12 months in System 1, with this large circus coming upon him, with the media, the calls for from sponsors and fandom.
“And that is precisely why we had excellent performances and a few races the place he struggled extra.
“There is no doubt about his pace and his race craft.
“He is going into his second season, he is aware of all the tracks, extra of the opposite necessities.
“So, I am completely sure will probably be 12 months for him.
“Nonetheless, I do not assume it is truthful to anticipate him to be on prime of George all the time.
“He is a benchmark and Kimi goes into his second season, so we will see one other step – that, I am sure about.”
