Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has kept George Russell in suspense over a new contract throughout the year. However, following Russell’s declaration after the Hungarian Grand Prix that “nothing’s going to happen over the summer” regarding contract talks, it now appears the situation has flipped, with Russell holding the stronger position. Wolff’s recent “mid-season report” video for Mercedes fans added intrigue to the scenario. In the footage, set against a rousing highlight reel and unusually mellow background music, Wolff came close to admitting that Russell had been the faster of the two Mercedes drivers last season.
Such a statement is significant, as comparing teammates — especially Lewis Hamilton and Russell — is a sensitive topic among fans. While both drivers secured two race victories last season, Hamilton’s triumph at Spa was inherited after Russell’s disqualification despite crossing the line first. Statistically, the points gap was minimal, with Russell scoring 245 to Hamilton’s 223. However, in qualifying, the difference was striking: Russell outqualified Hamilton 5-1 in sprints and 19-5 in grands prix, a surprising margin considering Hamilton’s long-standing reputation as one of the best over a single lap.
Reflecting on Russell’s progress, Wolff praised his growth from his Williams days to his current role alongside one of the sport’s greatest. According to Wolff, Russell began demonstrating superior pace last year, becoming the stronger performer in terms of results. With Hamilton now at Ferrari, Russell has naturally stepped into the senior driver role and continues to deliver consistently, even when the car’s performance falls short. Wolff also highlighted Russell’s off-track contributions, noting his value to both his personal brand and Mercedes’ image, concluding that they “couldn’t wish for a better number-one driver.
”Hamilton’s qualifying struggles in 2024 had sparked speculation, leading to bizarre conspiracy theories from some corners of the fanbase. In one extreme case, an anonymous email circulated in June accused the team of sabotaging Hamilton. The tension escalated when Hamilton qualified half a second behind Russell in Qatar, triggering a storm of online criticism toward Mercedes. Wolff dismissed such theories and their proponents as “idiots,” aiming to shut down the rumors.
Revisiting this topic now is particularly telling, given the backdrop of Russell’s contract discussions. With his strong performances this season and Wolff’s unusually glowing praise, Russell’s leverage in negotiations has never been higher. The comments also come amid whispers about Wolff’s interest in “Team Verstappen,” making his clear endorsement of Russell even more noteworthy in the political and performance dynamics of Mercedes’ future.
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