Toto Wolff wants to support George Russell in the battle for second place in the World Championship and does not rule out giving him preference over World Champion Kimi Antonelli
At Mercedes, a clear priority could emerge in the remaining three races of the Formula 1 season: George Russell is to be given every opportunity to secure second place in the Drivers’ World Championship. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed after the São Paulo Grand Prix that the team would be considering sidelining Kimi Antonelli in favour of his team-mate.
“I haven’t given the Drivers’ World Championship much thought yet. But of course we want George to score as many points as possible and hopefully finish second,” Wolff explained after the race. He added that they would need to consider how Mercedes intended to proceed. “It could well be an option for us to support him wholeheartedly.”
Following the race in Brazil, Russell lies third in the drivers’ standings with 262 points. Max Verstappen is second with 279 points. Antonelli has already secured the title and is free to drive as he pleases in the remaining races. For Mercedes, it would therefore be a logical consideration to bolster the Briton’s chances in his battle with Verstappen.
Wolff highlights Russell’s performance
At the same time, Wolff makes it clear that the success at the São Paulo Grand Prix is also down to Russell. Mercedes had secured the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil. The team principal therefore explicitly described the moment as Russell’s championship day.
“It’s George’s championship today. It’s the Constructors’ Championship, and he’s part of the team. I’m very pleased that he can enjoy this moment, because we owe it to him,” says Wolff. Russell had gone through difficult spells during the season. Qualifying in Brazil was a particularly good example of this.
In the rain, the Mercedes driver had initially dominated proceedings and seemed on course for pole position. However, a decision by the team in the closing stages cost him the chance of starting from the front of the grid. Wolff admits that, ultimately, the decision was not the right one.
“He absolutely dominated the wet qualifying session. He should have been on pole without any trouble. And then it was the wrong decision. Whether it was the right or wrong decision, I don’t know – but that final lap cost him pole position,” explains the Austrian.
Russell should learn from difficult periods
Despite the disappointment, Wolff sees no reason to doubt Russell’s prospects. Mercedes intends to tackle the remaining three races with full intensity. He is convinced that the Briton will bounce back next season.
“I have absolutely no doubt about that for next year,” says Wolff. Even the best sportsmen have gone through difficult phases. These are part and parcel of further development. Russell should use these experiences to emerge stronger.
Mercedes’ support could now also take a more concrete form on the track. As world champion, Antonelli is no longer reliant on his own points for a title fight. Russell, on the other hand, faces a direct rival in Verstappen for second place in the world championship. There are currently 17 points between the two.
Wolff plans team party – Russell calls for more than just a drink
As well as the sporting future, the focus after securing the Constructors’ Championship was also on the celebrations. However, Mercedes does not have much time to celebrate just yet: after the Brazilian Grand Prix, the team will be travelling on to the next race.
Wolff joked that perhaps a drink together might be possible on the night flight. Russell immediately chimed in: “More than one.” Wolff picked up on the comment and announced that he would be taking Lewis Hamilton along too. A bigger celebration in the UK would then need to be organised.
For Russell, the team’s success is likely to be a welcome boost following the disappointing qualifying session and the missed opportunity for a top result in Brazil. At the same time, Wolff has made it clear that, in the final three races of the season, Mercedes not only wants to celebrate the Constructors’ Championship title but also keep an eye on Russell’s chances of finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship.