BREAKING: Toto Wolff rains rare accolades on Russell as McLaren dealt warning…read more

BREAKING: Toto Wolff rains rare accolades on Russell as McLaren dealt warning…read more
George Russell has started the 2025 Formula 1 season in strong form, securing consecutive third-place finishes in Australia and China. His consistency has placed him third in the drivers’ standings, trailing championship leader Lando Norris by nine points and sitting just one point behind Max Verstappen.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has commended Russell’s performances, giving him a rare “10 out of 10” rating for his race in China. Wolff praised Russell’s ability to maximize the car’s potential and manage strategy effectively, describing him as a “warrior” and one of the top three drivers on the grid.
Despite noticeable improvements from Mercedes, Wolff admitted that McLaren remains the team to beat. While Mercedes was the second-fastest team in China, Wolff noted that the performance gap has shrunk from one second in Melbourne to just a few tenths.
Russell’s impressive form signals his readiness to compete at the highest level. Wolff believes the young Briton is capable of challenging for the championship if Mercedes continues to improve its car.
As the season unfolds, Mercedes will aim to build on its momentum and close the gap to McLaren, with Russell at the forefront of their title ambitions.