Russell: according to Wolff, he spent « a year too long at Williams »
After his victory in Brazil last weekend, George Russell confirms that he is an excellent choice for Mercedes. According to Toto Wolff, the Englishman should even have left Williams sooner!
George Russell is the second new Grand Prix winner this season alongside Carlos Sainz, thus confirming the expectations placed on him by Mercedes, who have supported him since 2017. He brings pride to his team, who achieve an important victory in this challenging season for the German team. His rapid ascent through the ranks of motorsport demonstrates the value of his talent, according to Toto Wolff, who recalls his first encounter with George Russell.
“I thought about it at the end of the race, when he arrived at 16 years old with his suit, tie, and PowerPoint presentation,” said the boss of the Mercedes team.
He is the first of our new junior program to win a race. Obviously, Lewis has always been here and is the brightest among those who graduate from our junior academy.
« We have always set difficult goals. You need to win the GP3, you need to win the F2, and he did it in his first seasons…. at Williams, it was the best education he could have had, maybe one year too long.
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A journey filled with obstacles
Lewis Hamilton’s teammate is currently in his fourth season in Formula 1, his first with Mercedes. He first spent three seasons with Williams, where he helped the team move up the grid and score points, despite their usual position at the back of the pack upon his arrival in 2019. The highlight of his time with the British team is his podium finish at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix.
With 8 podium finishes and a 4th place in the world drivers’ championship (ahead of Lewis Hamilton), one race away from the end of the season, George Russell achieves an excellent performance.
