Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed he considers George Russell among the top three drivers on the Formula 1 grid as he lauded his driver’s strong start to 2025.
Russell came into the season insisting Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari had opened a new chapter in his own career as the recognised team leader at Mercedes.
The Briton, now in his fourth campaign with the team, has excelled in his revised role as successive podiums have inspired his most productive start to an F1 season.
Russell was the sole contender to the dominant McLarens at the Chinese Grand Prix as an immense last-gasp lap in qualifying saw him land a front-row starting spot.
But while he was unable to hold onto that position during the race, Russell crossed the line in third with more than five seconds in hand on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
“George is a warrior in the car and outside of it,” Wolff told Viaplay.
“I normally never give a race a 10, because it can always be better. We haven’t seen the perfect race yet.
“But considering the conditions in which George drove, this was a solid 10. He got everything out of the car, the tyres, and the strategy. It was a brilliant performance.”
Russell maximised Chinese GP result
Wolff claimed that Russell could have done no more as McLaren’s advantage over the rest has ensured that “a podium is a realistic best-case” at this moment in time.
“It was not only the McLarens, but Max you can never discount, and the Ferrari, so it’s good,” he added.
However, Wolff repeated that Mercedes was remaining grounded as he acknowledged that the team has work to do to be in a position to challenge McLaren on merit.
“The ambition is to win, but we don’t feel any entitlement at the moment,” he said. “We’re not yet good enough, we’re second in the championship.”
Wolff wants more Russell recognition
Wolff expressed disappointment that Russell’s exploits haven’t attracted more plaudits, though, amid his conviction that he is one of the standout drivers in the sport.
“There was not much talk about George,” he highlighted.
“I have always thought that was not good, because he is one of the best drivers on the grid.
“If you ask me to name three drivers that I consider to be the best in the field, he is definitely one of those three.”
Russell’s sublime beginning to the season comes at a critical point in his career with Wolff’s revelation that discussions over a contract renewal will commence soon.
“George is a Mercedes driver, a home-grown talent. We should be proud of that, and I also take that into account in my considerations,” he disclosed.
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