Toto Wolff pinpoints pivotal George Russell change as Max Verstappen lurks
04/27/2025 07:00 AM
Toto Wolff believes George Russell is now entering his "prime" in F1 as talks over a new contract are set to take place. Russell assumed duties as Mercedes team leader for 2025 after the departure of Lewis Hamilton, who was replaced by 18-year-old rookie protege Kimi Antonelli. From the five races thus far in 2025, Russell has scored three podiums, including a fine drive to second in Bahrain whilst battling multiple systems failures on-board the W16, defeating Lando Norris in a final lap duel. The Briton is out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, with the team being heavily-linked to signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull. Should Wolff manage to persuade Verstappen to swap Milton Keynes for Brackley, Russell would likely be the driver to make way, but Wolff insists he is happy with Russell's performances after making his best-ever start to an F1 season. "What is so interesting is that Lewis was always the very experienced driver here and the senior driver," Wolff explained to The Athletic. "With George, it was never like he was the puppy, but suddenly, Lewis has gone, and George is in his prime, or at the beginning of his prime. "He is clearly the senior driver in the team – that delivers, that performs, that says the right things, and has taken over that role from Lewis. "At the moment, where it is with George and Kimi, there's no doubt to question that set up for the future. "There is no stress, he is performing to the highest levels as we have hoped and expected. "He is delivering, there is no doubt about that, and there is not much more you could demand."
