Toto Wolff has made his emotions clear on George Russell amid continued hypothesis that Max Verstappen might at some point take the British driver’s seat at Mercedes
Picture: Peter Fox – Method 1/Method 1 by way of Getty Photos)
Toto Wolff has made it clear George Russell stays in Mercedes’ long-term plans – regardless of ideas he may very well be dumped by the Silver Arrows.
Previous to saying teenage hotshot Kimi Antonelli as Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate for 2025, the Mercedes group principal spoke overtly of his want to signal Max Verstappen amid friction behind the scenes at Purple Bull. That included stress between group boss Christian Horner and Max’s dad, Jos.
Wolff has held casual talks with the Verstappens and whereas a deal for 2025 was by no means doubtless, the strains of communications stay open between the events. Mercedes’ persevering with curiosity within the soon-to-be four-time world champion raises query marks over Russell’s future with the group.
Barring a disastrous first season for Antonelli, it’s nearly unimaginable seeing the younger Italian being dropped, given how a lot time Mercedes have put into getting ready him for F1. As an alternative, Russell would in all probability be the motive force to make method if Verstappen ever turns into accessible.
Though his present contract runs to the tip of 2028, there are rumoured to be escape clauses. The Verstappen-to-Mercedes hypothesis has died down during the last couple of months, with Wolff stressing his dedication to Russell.
“Max is a large expertise and a novel character within the paddock and who is aware of what might occur sooner or later?,” mentioned the Austrian. “However for now, I’m excited concerning the future we’re constructing with Kimi and George.”
Wolff’s feedback on Russell come days after former Haas group principal Guenther Steiner claimed Russell is combating for his future within the group. The Brit was additionally warned that he may very well be the fallguy for Verstappen earlier on within the season by Nico Rosberg.
Talking final week, Italian Steiner mentioned Russell, in comparison with the departing Hamilton, must be extra measured in his criticism of the group and automotive, which is presently the fourth quickest on grid behind McLaren, Purple Bull and Ferrari.
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“George has received all of the curiosity to do to no matter is there to indicate that he’s the chief of the group for the longer term,” Steiner advised the Purple Flag podcast.
“He has to show that, as a result of he is aware of that as a result of he is aware of that when his Mercedes contract is up, his seat is just not 100% protected so he simply tries to do his finest, places every little thing into it.
“And on the opposite aspect, Lewis doesn’t just like the automotive and the way it drives, is aware of that now in three races he’s not there anymore.”
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