Mercedes F1 boss makes huge claim about Lewis Hamilton's final season with the team

Russell, Hamilton, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Mercedes boss makes huge claim about Lewis Hamilton's final season with the team

The Austrian has been discussing Russell's improvement in performance

Kevin McKenna

Friday 8 August 2025 19:00

Toto Wolff has opened up on the battle between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the former's final season at Mercedes.

Hamilton left the team, with whom he won six of his record-equaling seven world championships, at the end of last year to join Ferrari instead.

The 40-year-old has yet to finish on the podium on any of his 14 outings to date, with his bid for an eighth drivers' championship already over for another year.

Article continues under video

While his results and performances have come as a huge shock, Hamilton has looked a shadow of his former self in recent years.

Last year he was consistently outperformed by team-mate Russell, particularly in qualifying, with Wolff acknowledging the 27-year-old's significant improvement in a 'mid-season report' to fans on the team's official YouTube channel.

“And you've seen already last year he started to be so strong on pure pace - in terms of the results, the stronger driver."

F1 RESULTS: Hamilton's Ferrari woes continue as McLaren stars in dramatic late battle

Russell steps up following Hamilton exit

Russell has kicked on in Hamilton's absence, enjoying arguably his best season in the sport as the team's lead driver.

He currently occupies fourth spot in the world drivers' championship, 63 points clear of Hamilton, with 10 races remaining.

Wolff continued: "And now with Lewis having gone to Ferrari he's taken the senior driver slot, and it completely came naturally and he delivers. He delivers, even when the car is not on the level, he outperforms the car, you can always count on George.

"And beyond the driving, obviously he's also great with our partners and does a lot of activities that help us to build his brand and build our brand. So we couldn't wish for a better No. 1 driver.”

Despite continually singing the Brit's praises, Wolff has yet to tie Russell down to a new deal with the team, with his contract - and that of rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli - set to expire at the end of the year.

NASCAR Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes George Russell Toto Wolff