Wolff already dubs Russell to lead Mercedes: “I can’t dream of a better leader than George when Lewis leaves”

The 2024 season hasn't even started yet... the 2025 campaign is already underway! Thursday, the officialization of Lewis Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari caused an earthquake in the world of Formula 1, whose epicenter could be located at Brackley, in Mercedes factories. The German team obviously found itself at the center of the uproar caused by this announcement, forcing Toto wolff to react quickly via a videoconference press conference on Friday.

Amid the many questions surrounding the departure of Lewis Hamilton after more than a decade of collaboration and success with Mercedes, the big boss of the Silver Arrows also spoke about the future of his team, in particular about his second driver, George Russell. The Austrian leader now wants to build the team around the young Briton, who will become number 1 driver next year.

“We have to produce a car that will have more pace than last year's, and we know how complicated it will be to fight with Red Bull And the others. You're talking to me about the second seat, but I'm already thinking about the fact that George has the potential to be the next leader of the team, underlines Toto Wolff. He is part of an exceptional generation with Lando [Norris] and Charles [Leclerc], and I can't imagine a better leader than George when Lewis leaves. He is so talented, fast and smart. We just have to make the right choice for the second seat, and I don't want to rush into that. »

Russell leader… but who to accompany him at Mercedes?

George Russell, brooded by Mercedes since his young years in promotional formulas, has successfully climbed the ranks (Champion in GP3 Series then in Formula 2) before gaining experience in F1 with Williams, for three seasons. Promoted to Mercedes in 2022, the 25-year-old Englishman – 26 on February 15 – scored the only victory for the Silver Arrows over the last two seasons, by winning the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Even if he had a less brilliant and more irregular 2023 season, George Russell has proven himself to establish himself as one of the stars of today and tomorrow in Formula 1. Mercedes will therefore rely on the Briton to lead the team to the top, while speculation is rife for the second seat in the car German.

“Contracts have been signed here and there in recent weeks (Leclerc at Ferrari and Norris at McLaren, Editor's note), notably through profiles that we would undoubtedly have taken into account, but I like changes because they create opportunities, explains Toto Wolff. With the team, we will take the time to decide who will accompany George next year. This might be an opportunity to try something daring! » A declaration which will not be enough to calm the wildest rumors!

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