Toto Wolff: Russell took over leadership duties

      Toto Wolff believes that George Russell is entering a period of true professional maturity and has already become a true team leader.

      We told you that Mercedes is ready to start negotiations with Russell in the coming months on continuing cooperation. After the departure of Lewis Hamilton, who was replaced by 18-year-old debutant Kimi Antonelli, George is doing a good job of leadership duties, sets the tone for the team, and has reached the podium three times in five races, including finishing second in Bahrain, despite car problems.

      "It's interesting that Lewis has always been the most experienced and senior rider," Wolff said in an interview with the American edition of The Athletic. – And although George had never been in the role of an apprentice, suddenly, with Lewis's departure, it turned out that he had reached his best form or was entering the time of professional maturity.

      It is clear that he has become the senior member of the team now – he shows good results, says the right things and has assumed the role of leader after Lewis."