Mercedes driver George Russell discussed his relationship with team principal Toto Wolff and the championship race in the 2026 Formula 1 season in an interview with F1.com. The 28-year-old British driver is currently third in the championship standings with 106 points after the first seven races of the 2026 season.
The journey from Williams to Mercedes.
Russell recalled that his acquaintance with Wolff dates back to 2017, when he joined the Mercedes Junior Team. Rus, who began racing for Williams in 2019, replaced Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes cockpit for the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. His record, which runs until the 2026 season, includes six wins, 27 podiums, 10 pole positions, and 11 fastest laps. Regarding his relationship with Wolff, the driver said: ’We’ve known each other for 12 years. We’ve become especially close in recent years; we have a very close relationship with Susie and Toto, along with Carmen.“
Melbourne 1-2 and a challenging process.
Russell also highlighted the turbulent period he and Wolff went through: from their years at Williams to their attempt to move to Mercedes, followed by four years without a championship, conveying the difficulty of that period. "When we got 1-2 with Kimi in Melbourne, we said 'We're back'," said Russell., The various processes Mercedes has experienced this season Referring to the challenging overtaking in recent races, he mentioned that he had spoken with Wolff. “I’m really proud when I think about what we’ve been through in the last four years and how hard we’ve fought to bring Mercedes to the top,” he added.
Championship standings and the Austrian GP.
Seven races have been completed in the 2026 season. In the drivers' championship, teammate Kimi Antonelli continues to lead with 156 points, while Lewis Hamilton is second with 115 points; Russell is third with 106 points. The eighth race of the season, the Austrian Grand Prix, will take place from June 26-28.