Lewis Hamilton commits to Mercedes until 2025
George Russell believes that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff ‘had more respect’ for Lewis Hamilton when he first joined the team. Upon signing for the Silver Arrows in 2013, Hamilton was already an established world champion, while Wolff was making his first foray into F1 team leadership.
By comparison, Russell had never won a Grand Prix when he was called up to replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes for the start of the 2022 season. Wolff, meanwhile, was starting the newcomer’s maiden campaign off the back of eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
As a result, Russell is unsurprised by the difference in dynamic between himself and the team boss, when compared with Wolff and Hamilton’s relationship at the start of their Mercedes partnership.
When asked whether Wolff is a paternal figure, Russell told Beyond the Grid: “I’m not too sure to be honest. When Lewis and Toto were acquainted, Lewis was already world champion, this megastar.
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“There was perhaps more respect from Toto to Lewis when he joined because Toto was completely new to Formula One. At the time, Toto was the rookie and Lewis was the household, massive name, whereas with myself, Toto signed me as a 16-year-old.
“They’ve always nurtured me along the way, advised me and helped me reach my full potential and our relationship has gone from – I am not going to say a paternal figure – but I would class ourselves more as friends now. He’s my boss, but he’s also a friend.”
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Russell, Wolff and Hamilton are hard at work trying to get Mercedes back to where they were several years ago, with Red Bull once again setting the pace in 2023, much like they did last season.
At present, the Silver Arrows are leading the charge to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull sealed their victory at the Japanese Grand Prix last time out, with Max Verstappen’s race win mathematically taking them over the line long before the end of the year.
With 2024 on the horizon, Russell is cautiously optimistic, and insists Mercedes fans should be in line to see a more competitive package. “I’m not going to over-promise, but I can confidently say that we’re in a much, much stronger position than we were this time last year,” he continued.
“I have 120 per cent confidence in every single team member, they’re extraordinary people. They’re so motivated for success and we have a clear direction to take. That gives me confidence, but you can never underestimate your competitors, and you have no idea of the gains they have made.”
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