Toto Wolff: Mercedes 'Lucky' to Have George Russell After Standout 2025 Season
Toto Wolff declared Mercedes is "lucky to have" George Russell after the driver's standout 2025 season. Russell finished fourth overall with two wins and nine podiums, demonstrating remarkable consistency and leadership following Lewis Hamilton's exit, often excelling despite an unpredictable car.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff says the team is "lucky to have" George Russell after the British driver delivered a superb and consistent 2025 campaign, stepping seamlessly into the team leader role following Lewis Hamilton's departure.
Why it matters:
Russell's performance solidified his status as a top-tier driver and a cornerstone for Mercedes' future. In a season where the car's performance was often unpredictable, his ability to consistently extract results was critical in securing the team's runner-up finish in the constructors' championship, proving his value beyond any doubt.
The details:
- Russell finished fourth in the drivers' standings, behind only the three title contenders, with nine podium appearances and two race victories.
- He was a model of consistency, qualifying outside the top six only once all season due to a reliability issue in Monaco.
- That Monaco Grand Prix was his only significant setback, where he started 14th and finished two laps down—marking the only racing laps he failed to complete all year.
- Wolff highlighted that Russell often had to "drive around" the car's problems, as the W16 was not always easy to drive or provide a stable platform, making his podium finishes and wins even more impressive.
- With Hamilton moving to Ferrari, Russell effortlessly assumed the team leader position, setting a high benchmark for rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The big picture:
Russell's contract extension was briefly delayed as Mercedes pursued Max Verstappen, but was finalized after Verstappen committed to Red Bull. While Verstappen remains a long-term possibility for the team, Wolff's emphatic praise underscores Russell's current and vital importance to the Silver Arrows. His 2025 season demonstrated he can lead the team and deliver championship-contending performances, providing stability as Mercedes continues to develop its car for a future title challenge.