Max Verstappen won’t be moving to Mercedes after all, and George Russell is set to stay put. Toto Wolff couldn’t be happier about keeping the young British driver who has stepped up in a big way this season.
Those rumors about Verstappen signing with Mercedes? They’re finally dead. The Dutch driver confirmed in Hungary that he’s staying with Red Bull Racing, clearing the way for Russell to continue alongside future teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
“When I look at George, the development he’s made since he joined Formula One from the fast kiddo in Williams and then being drafted into Mercedes, clearly with the greatest of all greats, with Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff said after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes team boss couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.
“You’ve seen already last year he started to be so strong on pure pace in terms of the results, the stronger driver and now with Lewis having gone to Ferrari, he’s taken a senior driver slot, and it completely came naturally, and he delivers.”
What impresses Wolff most is Russell’s ability to perform even when the car isn’t at its best.
“He delivers even when the car is not on the level; he outperforms the car.”
Russell’s value goes far beyond his driving skills.
“We can always count on George 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,” Wolff explained.
It’s this complete package that has Mercedes convinced they’ve found their man.
“We couldn’t wish for a better number one driver,” Wolff added.
With Hamilton heading to Ferrari next season, Russell’s natural transition to team leader has been exactly what Mercedes needed during this period of change.
