George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes” width=”1200″ height=”800″ loading=”lazy”>
George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff reaffirmed his confidence in driver George Russell following the Hungarian Grand Prix, signaling a likely contract extension is in the works. The comments came after Russell secured a third-place finish at the Hungaroring on July 23, 2023.
Wolff emphasized Russell’s consistent performance since his Formula 2 championship win in 2018, stating, “He’s delivered since 2018 [his F2 title-winning year] there wasn’t a season he wasn’t there.” He clarified that internal discussions regarding Russell’s future were ongoing despite a lack of public announcements. Russell joined Mercedes as a full-time driver in 2022, replacing Valtteri Bottas.
“Nothing changed that in our thinking for next year, so just because you don’t talk outside doesn’t mean that things aren’t progressing in a way they should internally,” Wolff added. He indicated that contract details would be revealed in due course,but stressed Russell’s strong position within the team. The current Mercedes driver lineup includes Lewis Hamilton,whose contract also expires at the end of the 2023 season.
Russell currently holds sixth place in the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship standings with 99 points, 59 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing as of July 23, 2023. The Hungarian Grand Prix marked the eleventh race of the 22-race 2023 season.
Additional reporting by Christian Nimmervoll
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