Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes George Russell is among the top three F1 drivers following his impressive start to the 2025 season.
Russell began the new season with consecutive podiums in Australia and China, trailing championship leader Lando Norris by just nine points.
With Lewis Hamilton`s move to Ferrari and rookie Kimi Antonelli joining the team, Russell is now seen as the Mercedes team leader.
Wolff was impressed by Russell`s performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he started on the front row and nearly overtook Norris, who had brake issues.
“I never give a 10 out of 10, because there`s always room for improvement. We haven`t seen a perfect race yet, but considering the circumstances George faced in China, it`s a 10 out of 10,” Wolff said.
“He extracted the maximum from the car, the tires, the strategy, and it was a brilliant drive. There`s been a lot of talk about Lewis leaving for Ferrari and Kimi coming in, but not enough about George.”
“I`ve always said he`s one of the top drivers. If you want me to name three top drivers, he`s definitely among them, maybe top two, and perhaps on his way to number one.”
He added, “George is a warrior, both in and out of the car.”
Wolff: Russell is Rattling McLaren Cage
Russell has jokingly needled Norris in media events, calling him a title favorite, possibly to put pressure on his fellow Brit.
In Australia, Russell suggested McLaren should `already switch focus to 2026,` and before the Chinese Grand Prix, he implied McLaren had a bigger advantage than Red Bull in 2023.
Oscar Piastri called Russell`s comments `pretty farfetched,` but Wolff supported his driver.
“He is rattling the cage a bit more! Based on Melbourne, that was a valid statement,” he said.
“In China, we were closer, and we need to analyze after a few race weekends where we stand because on Saturday we might say Ferrari`s dominance is back, but on Sunday it was more underwhelming.”
“We need to avoid swinging between highs and lows, literally from day to day, but after a few races, establish a baseline.”
Wolff Refuses to Discuss Russell Contract
Russell is the most prominent driver without a contract for 2026, although Wolff indicated earlier this year that Russell and Kimi Antonelli have `very complicated` deals with extension options.
The 27-year-old has been with Mercedes since 2017 as a junior driver, before spending three seasons at Williams and joining the Mercedes F1 team in 2022.
“George is a Mercedes driver, and we are happy to have him in the team,” Wolff said after Sunday`s race in Shanghai.
“He is a Mercedes-grown talent. I`m proud of that, and that`s where my focus is.”
Formula 1 heads to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
Marcus Prine