Mercedes Principal Declares George Russell a Top Three Driver
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Synopsis
After an outstanding performance at the China Grand Prix, Mercedes' Toto Wolff praises George Russell as a top three driver and a warrior, emphasizing his potential to become number one in the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Toto Wolff calls George Russell a warrior.
- Russell is among the top three drivers on the grid.
- He currently ranks third in the Drivers Championship.
- Wolff admires Russell's performance during the race.
- Russell lacks a contract for 2026.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Following an impressive display at the China Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has referred to his leading driver George Russell as a warrior, asserting that he is certainly among the top three drivers on the grid and is on a path to becoming number one.
The Englishman has taken on the role of Mercedes’ primary driver alongside the promising Kimi Antonelli after the exit of Lewis Hamilton and currently holds third place in the Drivers Championship, just nine points behind leader Lando Norris. "I never give 10 out of 10 because I believe there is always room for improvement. We haven't witnessed a flawless race, but given the challenges George faced in China, it deserves a 10 out of 10."
"He maximized the performance of this car, the tyres, the strategy, and delivered a remarkable drive. The narrative surrounding Lewis, one of the sport’s greats, moving to Ferrari, alongside Kimi stepping in as the youngest driver with significant potential, has overshadowed George," Wolff commented during an interview on Tuesday.
"I have always maintained that this isn't fair, as he is undoubtedly one of the top drivers in the sport. If you ask me to name three drivers I consider to be the best, he is certainly among them, if not in the top two, and potentially on his way to being the best," Wolff stated to Sky Sports.
Wolff continued, "George is a warrior both on and off the track."
Despite this, the 27-year-old is currently the only major driver on the circuit without a contract for 2026, and Wolff declined to provide any details regarding George’s future. "George is a Mercedes driver, and we are thrilled to have him in the team. He was a junior driver and a product of the Mercedes development program. I take pride in that, and that is where all my focus lies," Wolff said after the race on Sunday.
