Wolff: Russell is no longer an 'underrated' star

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff believes George Russell is finally receiving the recognition he deserves as a top-tier talent, a sentiment solidified by his recent contract extension through 2026. This move, along with securing rising Italian prospect Kimi Antonelli, marks a clear direction for the team's future driver lineup after initial talks with Max Verstappen concluded without a deal.

Why it matters:

• Russell's extended contract signifies Mercedes' strong belief in his capabilities as they head into a new era without Lewis Hamilton. His consistent performance and quiet demeanor, often overshadowed by Hamilton, are now being rightfully acknowledged.
• The dual announcement also clarifies Mercedes' long-term driver strategy, providing stability and a clear path for Antonelli, who is seen as a future star.

The details:

• Russell's Recognition: Toto Wolff stated that Russell was 'always underrated' during his years alongside Lewis Hamilton, partly due to his more introverted personality and Hamilton's immense spotlight. Wolff humorously suggested Russell's lack of flamboyant fashion, unlike Hamilton, might have contributed to fewer 'eyeballs' on him.
• Strategic Driver Lineup: Mercedes has secured both Russell and Antonelli through the 2026 season, ending months of speculation. This confirms their commitment to Russell as a cornerstone and Antonelli as a key part of their future.
• Antonelli's Development: Wolff acknowledged Antonelli's challenging debut season in the current ground-effect cars, noting the difficulties with tricky tires, unfamiliar tracks, and immense media pressure, particularly in Italy.
  • Despite these challenges, Antonelli has shown promising results, including a sprint pole in Miami and a podium in Montreal.
  • Mercedes has actively 'shielded' Antonelli from excessive media pressure, especially in Europe, to aid his development.

Between the lines:

Wolff's remarks highlight a shift in perception for Russell, who has steadily performed despite operating in the shadow of a seven-time world champion. His quiet consistency is now being re-evaluated as a significant asset, especially as Mercedes transitions post-Hamilton. The team's proactive approach in managing Antonelli's early career also indicates a careful, long-term development strategy for their next generation of talent.

What's next:

With Russell's position secured and Antonelli gaining crucial experience, Mercedes is setting the stage for a strong future. Next year is expected to be a 'completely different starting point' for Antonelli, as he will have experienced a full season and become more accustomed to the demands of F1. This stable driver lineup will be crucial as Mercedes aims to reclaim championship contention in the coming seasons.