Russell is 'the one you can rely on', but still Wolff remains coy about the future

16:12, 12 May

Updated: 16:40, 12 May

byNorberto Mujica

Despite the fact George Russell is currently driving at a very high level, probably the highest in his career in F1, Mercedes team principal and CEO, Toto Wolff still tiptoes around question of the British driver's future.

Wolff has repeatedly stated that Russell has taken a step forward in terms of performance this year. In what areas exactly? The Austrian explained just that in the team representatives' press conference at the Miami Grand Prix.

Russell is 'the one you can rely on', Wolff says

"I think it becomes so obvious, when a seven-time World Champion leaves the team which he was with for 12 years, George, who like everyone has always been a little bit in the shadow of Lewis, is now the one giving direction."

So, the driver of car #63's role is now that of a leader within the Mercedes ranks, according to Wolff, who also believes him to be an accurate barometer for the current potential of the W16.

"He's the one you can rely on when it’s “George, where’s the pace of the car?” And that is important. That is what we do."

George Russell driving Mercedes' W16 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Wolff remains coy about Russell's future at Mercedes

However, when probed regarding a committment with Russell for the future, whose current contract expires at end of year, Wolff was not exactly assertive in his response.

"I knew that question was going to come. George is part of the Mercedes family and has always been. As I see things today, why break a team that is on a trajectory I see as positive?"

'As I see things today', certainly entails a degree of uncertainty, that may indeed change come tomorrow.

Antonelli and Verstappen may very well decide Russell's future

Andrea Kimi Antonelli made his breakthrough at the Miami Grand Prix, getting the edge on teammate Russell on both qualifying sessions. Despite finishing behind of the Briton in both races, it is clear that Antonelli's projection bodes very well for Mercedes's future.

Max Verstappen's future is still a question mark and whilst many teams - if not all - would like to be able to sign the Dutchman should he decide to leave Red Bull Racing, currently Mercedes and Aston Martin appear to have the strongest cards to land what could be the signing of the century.