Toto Wolff’s words on George Russell say it all amid Lewis Hamilton exit.
Eddie Jordan has claimed that George Russell leading the future for Mercedes may not be enough to satisfy fans once Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari in 2025.
Toto Wolff has shared his confidence in George Russell becoming the leading driver for Mercedes, despite Eddie Jordan’s doubts.
Ex-F1 team owner Jordan has claimed that Russell may not be the answer to lead Mercedes in the seasons to come once Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari next year.
Hamilton announced he’d be making the switch in 2025, with Russell set to become Mercedes’ main driver.
Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan said:
“Let’s be honest, George Russell has won one grand prix.
Do I think he can be a World Champion next year or the year after?
I just think that Lewis had too much on him.When Lewis didn’t quite have the car that he wanted at the beginning of the year, George was able to drive around that.
And I think that because of the change in fortune, that’s why he went to Ferrari.
Meanwhile, Wolff has placed his faith in Russell’s future potential and ability to drive the team towards more success as he spoke immediately after Hamilton’s Ferrari announcement.
Wolff said: “With all the Lewis discussion, something that has not been talked about enough is George.
George has the potential to be the next lead driver in the team.
He is of the generation of Lando [Norris] and [Charles] Leclerc and some of the others.
“I couldn’t wish for a new team leader when Lewis leaves, no doubt about that.
We have such a solid foundation, such a quick, talented, and intelligent guy in the car that we just need to take the right choice for the second driver, the second seat.
