“George is a warrior, in and outside the car”: Toto Wolff praises George Russell as F1’s best three drivers following outstanding Chinese GP display | Formula One News

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has lavished George Russell with praise, referring to the British driver as one of the ‘absolute top three’ drivers in Formula 1 right now. After an incredible performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, Wolff even went so far as to say Russell can eventually become the best driver in the sport.

George Russell’s brilliance impresses Mercedes boss

The 27-year-old backed up his strong start to the season with a P3 finish at the Shanghai International Circuit, just less than two seconds behind McLaren‘s Lando Norris in second place. This follows his podium in Australia, reinforcing his consistency as Mercedes aims to close the gap with its rivals.
While a lot of the recent attention has revolved around Lewis Hamilton‘s prospective switch to Ferrari and Mercedes opting to sign up rookie Kimi Antonelli, Wolff feels Russell does not get the credit he is due. “I never give 10 out of 10 because there is always better, there is never the perfect race,” Wolff said. “But considering the circumstances that George had today, it is 10 out of 10 because he extracted the maximum of his car, out of the tyres, the strategy—it was a brilliant drive.”
The Mercedes chief admitted that Russell has been somewhat under the radar during the larger headlines around the team. But he was adamant that the Briton is one of the best in F1.

George Russell’s Mercedes future is still a priority

With Russell performing so well, rumors have begun circulating about whether other teams will try to poach him from Mercedes. But Wolff was quick to dispel any fears that his driver was going to leave.
“George is a Mercedes driver, so we love having him in the team,” he explained. “He is a junior driver from the Mercedes—how do you say, plant?—and that is something to be proud of, and this is where all my concentration goes to.”
Although Mercedes has been demonstrating an encouraging pace in recent events, they are 21 points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri have each won a race, making them serious contenders for the Silver Arrows.

George Russell’s attitude impresses Toto Wolff

Apart from on-track performances, Russell’s mental approach is an area that Wolff appreciates. When the question was raised as to whether Russell’s criticism of McLaren fell under a mind game strategy, Wolff didn’t think twice. “George is a warrior, in the car and outside the car,” he said.
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As the season picks up, Mercedes will be hoping to continue their momentum, and Russell is emerging as one of the most important cogs in their machine. With the fight for supremacy at the front only set to get hotter, Wolff’s faith in his driver could already be being rewarded.