Totowolf declared George Russell was the “extra highly effective driver” for Mercedes in Lewis Hamilton’s closing season with the group.
Final 12 months, Russell defeated Hamilton comprehensively within the full season qualifying season 19-5, defeating the seven-time world champion within the championship for the primary time in three years.
Wolff has publicly admitted that Russell was a greater driver in Hamilton’s closing 12 months at Mercedes after saying he left for the group in 2025 to finish the blockbuster swap to rival Ferrari.
Wolff’s eye-opening assertion arrived in a video titled “Midseason Report,” shared with registered Mercedes followers.
“In case you take a look at George, the developments he is made since he joined F1 from Williams’ Quick Kiddo was clearly drafted by Mercedes together with all of the greats and Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff mentioned.
“And final 12 months he is already began to get actually sturdy at a pure tempo. He is a extra highly effective driver when it comes to outcomes. And now, since Lewis went to Ferrari, he took a slot for the senior driver.
“He is obtained the automotive out of the automotive even when it is not on a degree and you may at all times depend on George. And he is additionally good at his companion and has a variety of actions that can assist him construct his model and construct his model.
“So I could not need a greater primary driver.”
Hamilton and Russell every received two wins final season, however Hamilton’s second victory in Belgium got here after he completed behind a teammate who was later disqualified from the ultimate classification.
Russell was sixth within the 2024 driver’s rating with 245 factors, with 22 being managed by seventh Hamilton.
Relaxed Russell has not but signed a brand new Mercedes deal
Russell has made it clear that he won’t signal an extension of his new Mercedes contract throughout the summer time holidays.
Britton, 27, seems to be staying at Mercedes after Max Verstappen, who was courted by the Silver Arrow, confirmed to be staying at Crimson Bull in 2026.
Russell claims he has “nothing to fret about” about his future, and needs to show off utterly from System 1 throughout his treasured three-week break.
“To be sincere, I simply wish to relaxation and recharge, and I wish to return sturdy later this 12 months, so nothing will occur,” Russell advised Sky Sports activities F1 on Sunday within the Hungarian League Rampuri.
“However even now, there isn’t a stress on time, in order that occurs when it occurs.
“I am 27 now. I have been with the group for 4 years. Subsequent 12 months might be my fifth 12 months. We wish to construct a relationship collectively, however that is the proper factor and I do not wish to hurry up with it.
“I have been ready 12 months. I am not going to rush in between two weeks, so when it takes longer I will sit.”
Wolff advised media together with Budapest’s Crash.Web that Russell has “good playing cards” to play in negotiations given his sturdy kind.
“He is been on supply since 2018 and there was no season when he wasn’t there,” Wolf mentioned. “Nothing has modified in our pondering subsequent 12 months, so simply because we do not speak outdoors does not imply issues aren’t progressing like they need to be internally.
“In terms of contracts, let’s have a look. We’ll come out and see what phrases we proposed, however he confirmed it as we speak as a result of he is positively sturdy in his group.”
