Toto Wolff calls George Russell a top three F1 driver
- George Russell has secured podium finishes in Australia and China in March 2025, positioning him as a championship contender.
- Toto Wolff has publicly praised Russell's skills, suggesting he ranks among the top three current F1 drivers.
- Russell's impressive performances are seen as a pivotal moment in his career following Hamilton's departure from the team.
In Australia and China during March 2025, George Russell displayed exceptional skill, finishing on the podium in both races of the Formula 1 season. This strong showing puts him only nine points behind Lando Norris, the championship leader, and just one point behind Max Verstappen. The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, praised Russell's performance, highlighting a particular race in China where he showcased remarkable driving abilities, earning him a '10 out of 10' despite not achieving a perfect race. Wolff recognized the pressure Russell was under following Lewis Hamilton's recent move to Ferrari, emphasizing that this situation makes Russell's accomplishments even more notable. Following Hamilton's departure, Russell has taken a leading role in the team alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. While Antonelli also had a solid debut, finishing fourth in his first race, all eyes have been on Russell, who is being seen as a leading contender for the title this season. Wolff portrayed Russell as a 'warrior' on and off the track, affirming that he fits among the elite drivers in the current F1 landscape. His statements also sparked some friendly rivalry, as Russell has made headlines by jokingly labeling himself the title favorite, applying pressure on his fellow contenders. Moving forward, the Mercedes team hopes to narrow the gap to McLaren, another top competitor, as they prepare for the upcoming races. These performances mark a significant turning point for Russell, as he emerges from Hamilton’s shadow to claim a spot among the highest echelons of motorsport.