George Russell will be devastated by Toto Wolff’s response when asked about Mercedes’ 2025 title chances

Mercedes driver George Russell is having the best start to a Formula 1 season in his career.

After four race weekends, George Russell has only missed out on the podium once, having to settle for fifth at the Japanese Grand Prix.

However, that result aside, there’s an argument to be made that Russell has been the most impressive driver on the grid this year.

Davide Valsecchi believes Russell is seriously underrated, and despite his Mercedes having a distinct disadvantage compared to McLaren’s car, he’s been more than a match for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris this year.

The previous race in Bahrain highlighted Russell’s current ability, recording his first second place finish of the season.

Norris couldn’t find a way past him during the final laps of the race, despite Russell’s Mercedes failing around him.

Team principal Toto Wolff faces a huge decision on the future of both of his drivers who are out of contract at the end of the year.

Wolff is said to have dismissed signing Max Verstappen even if he becomes available due to Russell’s upturn in form this season.

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Toto Wolff writes off Mercedes’ title chances despite George Russell’s strong start to 2025

After the race in Bahrain, Wolff was interviewed by Channel 4 and reflected on a mixed weekend for his drivers.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli missed out on a top 10 finish for the first time in his short Formula 1 career, although Russell adding another 18 points to Mercedes’ tally was more than welcome.

Wolff was asked if he believes Mercedes will be able to compete with McLaren as the season progresses and replied: “No.

“I think no is a pretty blunt response, and that shouldn’t be the approach for us going racing.

“When you see where McLaren was last year in Bahrain, fourth and sixth, or something like that, so everything is possible.

“At the moment, they are just a step ahead. But let it get a little bit colder, more smooth surfaces on the track, and then Mercedes is going to strike back.”

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George Russell staring at his best chance to win the F1 drivers’ championship so far

Russell has also been dismissive of Mercedes’ chances by declaring that McLaren can win every race this season.

Although Verstappen has already denied them that specific record by taking the chequered flag in Japan, Russell might be upset by Wolff’s lack of ambition when it comes to Mercedes’ progress throughout the season.

Wolff’s stance might be a sign that Mercedes have already shifted the majority of their focus towards 2026.

Mercedes are expected to have the best power units for the upcoming regulation changes, which may make Russell the favourite to win the championship this year.

However, he’s only 14 points behind Norris right now, and his consistency is a sign that he can keep himself in the championship conversation for much longer than many people may have expected during pre-season.

If McLaren’s drivers take enough points off each other and Red Bull fail to make the progress that Verstappen needs, then Russell is still a strong outside bet to worry Norris and Piastri, particularly as Antonelli is unlikely to stand in his way.