Wolff: 'Verstappen obviously not happy there's a new kid in front of him'

Logically, this will increase the pressure on his temporary teammate Valtteri Bottas. After all, he's been driving for Mercedes for several years now, so if Russell beats him in his debut race for the team, it won't look good.

Wolff is not worried

Team boss Toto Wolff doesn't worry though, reports Autosport.com. "It will certainly be tight, but I don't see any rivalry within the team. Valtteri is well settled in the team, he has nothing to prove. It is a bit easier for George, because there is no pressure at all. He has nothing to lose."

Wolff already said he feared the pace of Red Bull Racing, and he thinks that Max Verstappen will be frustrated to have been beaten by Russell in qualifying: "Of course, Verstappen won't be happy to have a new kid standing in front of him," says Wolff.

When asked if there is a chance for team orders during the race, Wolff denies it: "No, they are free to race. We owe that to everyone, off the leash."