It comes after Wolff’s public pursuit of Verstappen, with the Austrian having admitted earlier within the 12 months that he “would love” to have the Dutchman at Mercedes, a risk that now seems to be off the playing cards for the foreseeable future following the signing of Kimi Antonelli for 2025.
With Russell coming into into his fourth season on the Silver Arrows subsequent 12 months – and his seventh marketing campaign general in F1 – Wolff has beforehand stated that the 26-year-old “has all he must step within the extra senior position within the group” amid the upcoming departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari.
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Kimi would be the actual deal’ – Wolff on Antonelli’s signing, Russell’s senior position and his Hamilton relationship
“He’s studying, he’s continually growing,” Wolff commented about Russell. “That may be a ability now we have all admired with Lewis – though he’s this nice champion, he’s continually growing as a human and as a racing driver.
“So sure, George has all he must step within the extra senior position within the group and take the management when it possibly involves technical choices on set-ups that must be taken. I’ve nice confidence in him.”
