Toto Wolff claims George Russell would be the ‘next lead driver’ at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move in 2025

Lewis Hamilton‘s unexpected switch from Mercedes to Ferrari shook the entire sporting world. The Silver Arrows had little to no preparations to see the seven-time world champion exit from the team. Multiple questions were raised over the team’s future following Hamilton’s departure. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff shared his piece of mind over the status quo and reckoned that George Russell would take over as the lead driver at Brackley.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari by 2025 will provide Wolff with one whole season to decide the second driver for Brackley. There are a plethora of options to choose from as multiple drivers’ contracts end in 2024. Regardless of the second driver, the Austrian insisted that George had the potential to be the ‘lead driver’ of the team from 2025 onwards.

With all the Lewis discussion, one thing that has not been talked about enough is George - George has the potential to be the next lead driver in the team.

Wolff said, as reported by mirror.co.uk.

Additionally, Wolff mentioned that George Russell is from the same generation as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc and hence has a lot of potential. The Austrian claimed that he couldn’t wish for a better team leader replacement than the 25-year-old driver. Russell undoubtedly had the caliber of being a top driver in F1.

He is of the generation of Lando and Leclerc and some of the others and I couldn’t wish for a [better] new team leader for when Lewis leaves, no doubt about that.

Toto Wolff admitted to the need to make the right choice for the second driver

The Austrian boss reckoned that Mercedes had the right foundation for the future with Russell behind the wheel. Additionally, Wolff labeled the 25-year-old as a ‘quick and intelligent’ guy in the car. The 52-year-old highlighted the need to make the right choice for the second driver to be paired up with the Briton. Regardless, with the entire season ahead of Wolff, he doesn’t need to rush into things to make the choice immediately.

We have such a solid foundation and a quick and intelligent guy in the car – we just need to make the right choice for the second seat. That’s not something I want to rush into.

Multiple drivers’ contracts are ending by 2024 and would be eager to join Brackley as their secondary driver. Additionally, many drivers have the potential and performance to be a part of the Silver Arrows. Wolff is presented with multiple options to choose from, and now the team needs to deliver their best choice for the secondary driver for 2025 onwards as it would be very crucial for the team’s future in F1.

Regardless, Mercedes continuously prepares for the upcoming season with Lewis Hamilton for one last time. The 39-year-old has admitted to pushing his limit and giving his best to his long-time team despite the last season at Brackley. Hence, the 2025 season awaits great excitement with a lot of changes to the drivers’ lineup for multiple teams.

In case you missed it:

• Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton claims he has ‘no time’ for children or starting a family
• Toto Wolff breaks silence on rumours around Sebastian Vettel un-retiring to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

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