Wolff reveals Mercedes first in Russell's Brazilian triumph

Toto Wolff has revealed a personal first that accompanied Mercedes' only win of the season courtesy of George Russell at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

The Austrian took over as the executive director of the Mercedes F1 team in 2013 and has overseen a record-breaking period of dominance that includes 115 race wins.

During his time in charge, Wolff was in attendance for the first 114, but for Russell's breakthrough success in Brazil, he opted to oversee team affairs from his home in Monaco.

Asked if it was the first victory he had missed, Wolff said: “Since 2013, I have missed three races - one in Brazil in 2019, and now Suzuka [2022] and this one.

“I don’t know whether we won in Brazil when I was not there. Did we win in Brazil when I missed the first race?”

READ MORE...Russell sets ambitious 2023 F1 target

Informed that Mercedes 'very much did not' win on that occasion, with Lewis Hamilton seventh and Valtteri Bottas retiring, Wolff expressed his pride in the team functioning at the highest level in his absence.

“I spoke to Bradley [Lord - communications director] and to James [Vowles - chief strategist] and they said, ‘It is a shame,’ and ‘We’re missing you here'." added Wolff.

"But I felt just so proud and happy for the team and it is irrelevant whether I was there or not. Everybody just deserved it so much.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Netflix just dropped new Michael Schumacher trailer and it looks incredible

• 1 hour ago

F1 legend issues brutally honest George Russell verdict: 'It's embarrassing'

• 2 hours ago

McLaren set to 'review' papaya rules after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's tense battle at Monza

• Today 12:32

Time to come back? Sebastian Vettel admits he misses F1

• Today 10:57

Ferrari F1 chief confirms Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc inquest after 'unacceptable' incident

• Today 09:45

Honda promise 'big step' for Aston Martin engine and it could be crucial to Fernando Alonso's F1 future

• Today 09:00