Toto Wolff has praised George Russell‘s 2025 Formula 1 campaign, saying Mercedes is “lucky to have” the British driver after a remarkable season.
Russell emerged as one of the campaign’s strongest performers. He finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, behind the three title contenders.
The 27-year-old scored nine podiums, including two race victories in Canada and Singapore, where he converted pole position on both occasions.
Consistency defined his campaign. Russell qualified inside the top six at every round bar one and completed all racing laps bar two in Monaco.
Following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Russell assumed the role of team leader alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli with ease.
“His performances were really outstanding,” Wolff said during his end-of-season review.
“Because we didn’t always give them [Russell and Antonelli] a car that was easy to drive.
“So on some weekends, the car was exceptional from the first free practice.
“On others, we just couldn’t control it; we just never got to a space where it was fast, where it gave them a stable platform.
“And most of the time he was able to drive around it, and the podiums and the victories are [a] testament to that.”
Mercedes values Russell amid Verstappen talks
Mercedes delayed discussions with Russell over a contract extension while monitoring Max Verstappen’s situation.
The Dutchman ultimately chose to remain at Red Bull, allowing the Brackley-based squad to secure Russell’s future.
Although Verstappen could still be an option for Mercedes down the line, Wolff believes Russell’s value to the team is clear.
“When you look at the Drivers’ standings, considering that we weren’t always on top, where he finished and the points he contributed to the Constructors’ Championship [Mercedes finished runners-up to McLaren], is something that he can be proud of, and we are lucky to have him.”
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