Wolff full of praise for Russell's performance as Mercedes leader

18:15, 01 Apr

Updated: 22:18, 01 Apr

byEwan Gale

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has praised George Russell for "performing exactly how we knew he would" as the team's senior driver following the Briton's career-best start to a Formula 1 season.

Russell has picked up the team leader mantle from Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion's switch to Ferrari over the winter, helping push the Brackley-based outfit forward early in the year alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

While the Italian has himself impressed during the opening two weekends of the year, Russell has starred, taking two podium finishes to sit third in the drivers' standings.

With the Mercedes performing above expectations compared to recent years, Wolff is hoping for further improvement, starting at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

"We will be aiming to build on our solid start to the season in the upcoming triple-header," said Wolff.

"The W16 has proved a stable and consistent platform so far, and a car that the drivers feel confident in. That led to good performances in Australia and China, and our best start to a season since 2021.

"We know we have more performance to find if we are to challenge at the very front race though. Development isn't the work of a moment either. The races in Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia will therefore be about maximising what we have right now.

"Our competitors will undoubtedly bounce back from the recent double-header, too. Therefore, we will need to be at our best if we want to continue our promising start."

Russell's strong start

"Suzuka, with its fast sweeps and elevation changes provide a proper test for both driver and car.

"This will be Kimi's first experience there and, whilst it will be another new challenge for him, he will be looking forward to it. He has handled everything thrown at him so far, and we're looking forward to seeing his continued development.

"George, meanwhile, has enjoyed his strongest start to a season in his F1 career. He has delivered with maturity, consistency, and speed.

"He is performing exactly how we knew he would as the senior driver of the works Mercedes team. He will be looking to continue in that form in Japan this weekend."