Wolff: Russell was ‘stronger Mercedes driver’ in Hamilton’s final season

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has delivered his clearest endorsement yet of George Russell’s growing stature within the Silver Arrows, openly stating that the 26-year-old Briton was the team’s “stronger driver” in 2024 – Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes.

The revelation came during a mid-season video report shared exclusively with registered Mercedes fans, and marks one of the most direct acknowledgements from Wolff of the changing of the guard within the team’s driver hierarchy following Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari.

Russell outperformed the seven-time world champion in both qualifying and overall points last season, beating Hamilton 19-5 in qualifying sessions and finishing ahead in the championship standings for the second time in three years.

No Better Number-One Driver than Russell

“When I look at George, the development he's made since he joined Formula 1 from the fast kiddo in Williams, and then being drafted into Mercedes, clearly with the greatest of all greats, with Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff explained.

“And you've seen already last year he started to be so strong on pure pace – in terms of the results, the stronger driver.”

The Mercedes chief went on to praise Russell not only for his performances on track, but also for the professionalism and commitment he brings to the team’s commercial and branding efforts.

“He delivers, even when the car is not on the level, he outperforms the car, you can always count on George,” he added.

“And beyond the driving, obviously he's also great with our partners and does a lot of activities that help us to build his brand and build our brand.

“So we couldn't wish for a better number-one driver.”

Russell’s Rising Leverage as Mercedes Rebuilds

Wolff’s comments come at a critical time for Mercedes, as the team continues to rebuild amid shifting technical regulations and Hamilton’s departure.

Russell’s consistent form and growing influence within the squad now place him in a strong position as talks surrounding his long-term future continue behind the scenes.

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It also follows a turbulent 2024 season, where Hamilton’s dip in qualifying performance sparked intense speculation — and even unfounded conspiracy theories.

At one point, an anonymous email alleging sabotage against Hamilton circulated online, prompting a wave of abuse directed at the team. Wolff hit back at the time, dismissing the theorists as “idiots.”

While Wolff’s praise for Russell has often been measured, the latest remarks represent a notable change – and perhaps a signal that the team is now fully built around its new leader.

The message is clear: in George Russell, Mercedes sees not just the present, but the future.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.