Toto Wolff will have a conversation with George Russell after being outperformed by Lewis Hamilton in 2023

Mercedes’ 2023 challenger, the W14 produced mediocre pace and performance. However, the two drivers had a point difference of 59 points, with Lewis Hamilton taking the lead over George Russell. Hence, amidst these results, Toto Wolff is planning a conversation with Russell over the status quo.

Notably, Russell emerged victorious in the 2022 championship standings, scoring the team’s only win of that season in the process. Hence, everyone expected a similar performance in this season or a close call in terms of points in 2023. However as depicted from the results, George Russell finished only in the eighth spot as compared to the P3 finish from Hamilton.

Hence, Wolff asserted that he would have a good conversation with Russell regarding the latter’s season. Additionally, the Austrian explained that everyone needs feedback, including F1 drivers. Moreover, he highlighted the ‘strong character’ of the 25-year-old. However, Russell adapted from a different strategy for the 2023 season which swung around and resulted in Hamilton winning the battle of points to his teammate.

We will have a good conversation, Everybody needs some feedback. He’s a very strong character, and he came out of the summer very strong. He changed his approach a little bit, and that was good, and then it swung the other way around and Lewis performed extraordinarily well.

Wolff said as reported by planetf1.

George Russell wasn’t satisfied by his 2023 performance compared to Lewis Hamilton

Although George Russell would’ve lost to Lewis Hamilton in terms of points, both the British drivers were at par on average in terms of a few aspects. However, Russell announced his dissatisfaction with merely matching the seven-time world champion’s performance in the season and laid out his plans to surpass him in terms of performance.

Although Russell’s comments about not being satisfied, Toto Wolff was not hesitant in acknowledging the fact that both the drivers displayed equal levels of potential down the season. According to Wolff, if the team presents the drivers with the right car, both drivers can probably battle each other for the same spot. The two Britons could also match the level of Max Verstappen if provided with equal machinery, explained Wolff.

The entire season highlighted a lot of learnings and points of improvement for the Brackley. Hence the team continues development over the winter break in an attempt to contend for the championship for the subsequent season. Additionally, Mercedes has confirmed that both drivers will race for the team at least until the end of the 2025 season.

In case you missed it:

• Toto Wolff claims Red Bull will be ‘undoubtedly strong’ in 2024
• Fernando Alonso buys a rare Aston Martin ex-DTM racing car

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