Mercedes driver George Russell has opened up about his close relationship with team principal Toto Wolff and reflected on the journey they have shared together, despite a challenging start to his 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
Russell entered the season as one of the favourites to challenge for the world championship after Mercedes appeared to have finally overcome the performance issues that had plagued the team for several years. However, the Briton’s season has not gone entirely according to plan.
After seven race weekends, Russell has managed just one Grand Prix victory and two additional podium finishes. Those results leave him third in the drivers’ standings behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli has emerged as the surprise standout of the season, securing five race victories and building a commanding lead in the championship, while Hamilton has also enjoyed a strong campaign with Ferrari.
The difficult run of results has placed Russell under increased pressure, but the 28-year-old says recent conversations with Wolff have helped him maintain perspective.
Speaking about the bond he shares with the Mercedes boss, Russell revealed that their relationship extends far beyond Formula 1.
“We’ve known each other for 12 years now,” Russell explained. “Over that time we’ve become incredibly close, especially during the last few years. When we’re back home, we’re together a lot, and Carmen and I have built a very close friendship with Toto and Susie.”
Russell’s connection with Wolff dates back to his junior racing days, long before he earned a full-time seat with Mercedes. The team principal played a major role in supporting Russell’s rise through the ranks, including his years at Williams before finally promoting him to Mercedes.
Looking back on that journey, Russell admitted there have been plenty of highs and lows along the way. Mercedes endured several difficult seasons after their dominant era came to an end, leaving the team unable to consistently compete for championships.
According to Russell, that made the start of the 2026 season even more special.
He recalled the excitement of arriving in Melbourne for the season opener and seeing Mercedes return to the front of the grid. A dominant one-two finish for the Silver Arrows, led by Antonelli and Russell, felt like confirmation that the team’s hard work had finally paid off.
“It felt like we were back,” Russell said.
Although his personal performances have been disappointing in recent races, the Briton remains proud of what Mercedes has achieved. He revealed that a recent discussion with Wolff focused less on current results and more on the team’s remarkable recovery after years of struggle.
Russell explained that reflecting on everything Mercedes has overcome has helped him appreciate the progress they have made. Rather than dwelling on recent setbacks, he believes the team’s return to championship contention is proof of the determination shown by everyone at Brackley.
With more than half the season still remaining, Russell remains firmly in the title fight. While he faces a significant deficit to Antonelli and trails Hamilton in the standings, the Mercedes driver is determined to build on the team’s resurgence and continue chasing championship success alongside Wolff and the squad that helped shape his Formula 1 career.