Toto Wolff, whose Mercedes team had not emerged victorious in a race since 2022, exclaimed “George, you have the potential to come out triumphant” over the radio without checking the pilot’s location on the track. Russell, whose triumph marked only the second victory of his career in Formula 1, advised his superior to simply allow him to operate the vehicle while defending the challenge posed by Oscar Piastri of McLaren after taking the lead following a collision between Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Lando Norris of McLaren.
Russell informed journalists: “It was quite challenging. And then suddenly, Toto was shouting in my ear, ‘you can win this’. And his shouts were so loud that I almost crashed. It was deafening. I believe this serves as a testimony to the enthusiasm we all share. Undoubtedly, it has been a few difficult years for us. It’s fantastic to be back on the top podium.”
The latest victory for Mercedes was also attributed to Russell, who emerged victorious in Brazil in November 2022, securing the team’s only victory of that season. From 2014 to 2021, they won eight consecutive Formula 1 constructor championships.
Toto: “George, you have the potential to come out triumphant.”
George: “Just let me ****** drive!”
Wolff informed journalists that he had an understanding of the psychology of the pilots and acknowledged that his impulsive response had been “the silliest action I have ever taken in my 12 years at Mercedes. I will always be embarrassed because one must consider the timing of the message to the pilot, avoiding braking moments or high-speed turns. I did not consult the GPS…
“I simply pressed the button in an emotional state and proclaimed: We can win this. I could have put your race at risk with this message. Imagine the repercussions of such an incident. I was overcome by emotions. I am satisfied with our success and seeing Lewis (Hamilton) and George stand out. I let myself get carried away in this situation, but really, it was embarrassing.”
Mercedes has made great strides since the start of the season, with Russell securing pole position in Canada and finishing third, while seven-time world champion Hamilton claimed third place in Spain a week ago.
However, there is no illusion about the team’s position compared to its competitors. Russell stated: “The team has been working immensely hard. We have made substantial progress since the start of the season. The last three races have been extraordinary and there is more to come.
“It’s no secret that Red Bull with Max and McLaren with Lando still hold a slight advantage, but we have consistently positioned ourselves in third place in the last few races. And if any mishap occurs up front, we are prepared to seize the opportunity,” Russell added. (Report by Alan Baldwin)
© 2024
