Toto Wolff has described George Russell as the “more dominant driver” at Mercedes during Lewis Hamilton’s final season with the team. In the previous year, Russell outqualified Hamilton 19 times to 5 and surpassed the seven-time world champion in the championship standings for the first time in three years. Wolff openly acknowledged Russell’s superior performance in Hamilton’s last year at Mercedes, just before Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari in 2025.
Wolff shared his insights in a “Midseason Report” video for Mercedes fans. He praised Russell’s development since joining F1 from Williams, highlighting his rapid progress and raw pace. Wolff stated that Russell had become the stronger driver in terms of results and had stepped up as the team’s lead driver following Hamilton’s departure. He emphasized Russell’s reliability and his valuable role in fostering good relationships within the team and enhancing his own personal brand.
Last season, both Russell and Hamilton secured two race wins each, although Hamilton’s second win in Belgium came under unique circumstances involving a teammate’s disqualification. In the 2024 driver standings, Russell ranked sixth with 245 points, ahead of Hamilton, who was seventh with 223 points.
On the contract front, Russell has indicated he will not be signing a new deal with Mercedes during the summer break. At 27, Russell seems poised to remain with Mercedes, especially after Max Verstappen confirmed his commitment to Red Bull for 2026. Russell said he wants to fully disconnect during his upcoming three-week break and is in no rush to finalize his contract extension.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 in Hungary, Russell explained that he is content to wait and focus on resting and recharging without pressure to finalize negotiations immediately. Wolff mentioned that Russell holds strong negotiating leverage due to his consistent performance and reassured that contract discussions are progressing internally. Wolff praised Russell’s consistent delivery since 2018 and stressed that both sides aim to build a long-term relationship.
Fan Take: This confirmation of George Russell’s rising status and leadership at Mercedes is a turning point for Formula 1, signaling the team’s new era post-Hamilton. For racing fans, it suggests an exciting future where fresh talent continues to push the boundaries and keep the sport highly competitive.
