Toto Wolff Hails George Russell’s Rise as Mercedes Leader After Lewis Hamilton’s Shock Ferrari Move

After seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton decided to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, Kimi Antonelli was drafted into the team as the replacement. This left George Russell as the most experienced driver at the Silver Arrows and the de facto team leader.

Despite rumours linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes, it looks like Russell is set to extend his contract in Brackley. He has excelled this season, scoring six podiums in the opening four races, and won the Canadian GP. His boss, Toto Wolff, has heaped praise on the Brit after a strong campaign so far this year.

George Russell has impressed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff this season

Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff has praised the development and raw pace of George Russell. This year has seen Russell record positive results and outperform what the car should be delivering. When speaking on Mercedes’ mid-season review, Wolff believes Russell has taken over the role of team leader “naturally“.

Wolff summarised: “When I look at George, the development he’s made since he joined Formula 1, from the fast kiddo at Williams and then being drafted in at Mercedes, clearly with the greatest of all greats with Lewis Hamilton.

“You’ve seen already last year – he started to be so strong on pure pace. In terms of results, the stronger driver. Now with Lewis having gone to Ferrari, he’s taken the senior slot and it completely came naturally. 

“He delivers even when the car is not on the level. He outperforms the car. You can always count on George. Beyond the driving, he’s also great with our partners. He does a lot of activities that help us to build his brand and build our brand. We couldn’t wish for a better number one driver.”

Russell’s contract expires at the end of the season. Wolff has claimed he is ready to sign Russell up, but believes that the 27-year-old holds all the cards. With his consistent performances so far this season, Mercedes can ill afford to let Russell walk away.

Will George Russell sign a Mercedes contract?

It is widely thought that both George Russell and Mercedes want a contract extension. Russell has driven well over the last couple of seasons and has kept Mercedes near the top of the constructors’ championship this season with a string of good results. Mercedes was flirting with Max Verstappen, but the Dutchman decided to stay put at Red Bull. Mercedes was also keen to retain both their drivers for next year.

Russell will also be excited about the 2026 Mercedes challenger. It is predicted that the Silver Arrows will have the best power unit for the new regulation cycle, like when the engines changed in 2014. The aerodynamics are also moving away from the ground-effect era, a period where Mercedes has struggled to produce race-winning cars.

‘It’s Got To Be Right’ – George Russell Breaks Silence on Bold Decision To Delay Mercedes Contract Signing

So why hasn’t a contract been signed? Russell has indicated that he’s in no rush to sit down with Mercedes and says, “it’s got to be right” for him. He will want reassurances in the contract. Verstappen may become available in 2027, and Russell will not want to be replaced by the four-time world champion. However, Russell will likely sign an extension soon and will hope Mercedes can offer him a title-challenging car in 2026.