Wolff: Williams decision not down to Russell's performance
Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff says Williams’ decision on George Russell’s future has nothing to do with his driving skills and is a “political and commercial decision”.
Speculation emerged last week that Russell could be replaced at Williams for 2021 by Sergio Perez, who is trying to find a seat after losing his drive with Racing Point for next year.
Russell has repeatedly said that he has “no concerns” about his future with Williams as he has a contract in place for next year, and that the rumours were “fed by the Perez camp” to help him find a seat elsewhere.
Russell has been part of Mercedes’ junior programme since 2017, with Wolff moving in recent days to contact Williams after it refused to confirm its existing line-up would be staying for next year.
Russell has impressed throughout his F1 career, and put in another strong performance at the Portuguese Grand Prix last weekend, calling the display “probably the best race I’ve had in Formula 1”.
Speaking about Russell’s future after the race, Wolff said it only proved once again that the British youngster deserved his place on the grid, but acknowledged Williams’ decision would not be down to performance.
“George has proven that he deserves to be in Formula 1,” Wolff said. “Today again, he was running in the solid midfield.
“I don’t think the decision comes down to his driving skills, it’s more probably an overall political decision and commercial decision.
“It’s up to the owners of Williams to decide where they want to help with the team.
“We have to respect the independence of Williams and their decision making process. I think he is in a good position.”
Wolff has already said that if Russell were to lose his seat for 2021, he would be put through a “mega” testing programme next year with Mercedes and serve as its reserve driver, but has expressed his confidence he will stay on the grid.
Russell said that he is yet to discuss fallback options for 2021 with Wolff, who was adamant that the 2018 F2 champion would be racing next year.
“We’ve not talked about a fallback,” Russell said. “He said listen, I’ve got your back, and he said you’ll be on the grid next year, and don’t worry.
“So for me, there’s obviously a lot of speculation. I think it’s been fed from other people.
“Everything will be fine. I’d say [it will be] 100% clarified from the team’s perspective, probably no later than the end of next week.”
Share Or Save This Story
1998 Belgian GP: When the Schumachers went to war
The race that transformed perceptions of Red Bull
Hamilton in the process of selecting Brad Pitt’s co-star for F1 movie
Max Verstappen responds to George Russell: "Maybe I should take him to the sauna!"
What's actually going on with George Russell's FIA cooling vest complaints
As Mercedes looks to deal F1 2026 knockout blow, will its driver fight reignite?
What the drivers are expecting from F1's return to Sepang
How Carlos Sainz bounced back from the most difficult moment of his F1 career
How Fernando Alonso scored ninth at Zandvoort - and how Alex Albon lost a similar payday
Enea Bastianini: "I've been waiting a long time for this moment"
Marc Marquez sent body double to Motegi kart race: “We are not here to mess around or drive go karts"
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia descends into chaos as car trouble prompts red flag
Kyle Larson debates purpose of stage points, call them "participation awards"
You Ask The Questions: Emerson Fittipaldi
The wide world of strategy options expected in F1's Bahrain GP in Malaysia
How drivers waiting in the wings can still make their presence count in F1
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments