“Like He’s Been Here Forever”: Wolff Gets Candid on Working With Mercedes F1 Debutant George Russell

George Russell has integrated himself really well into the Mercedes AMG team. He has finished in the top 5 in every race this season and is currently 4th in the driver’s championship.

It has surprised many how comfortable he is within a new team environment this season. This has also helped him to focus on driving the car as fast as he can and not worrying about internal conflicts. But there is one person who is not surprised by how quickly George has jelled with the team and that is team principal Toto Wolff.

The Austrian has kept an eye on the young Brit for a while and knew of his abilities before bringing him to Mercedes. Yet Wolff revealed that he is impressed with the approach Russell has showcased early in the season.

“I like his approach very much. He’s very rational, whether he is fastest in P2, or whether he’s 11th, it’s just about applying the science and trying to make the car faster. He’s integrated very well, it’s almost like he’s been here forever,” said Wolff.

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Former F1 driver Martin Brundle, too, has noticed the difference between his approach and Lewis Hamilton this season and reflected on how both react to difficult moments.

Former F1 driver praises George Russell for his approach in 2022

The young British driver has not made too much of a fuss about having a slightly underperforming car. He has just gotten on with his job and tried to extract the most of the W13 every time.

“It’s a tough time [for Lewis] and eager George, with most of his career still ahead of him, is coping better with the situation than Lewis judging by radio transmissions,” said Brundle.

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It has certainly been a bit surprising to see how well he is driving the 2022 Mercedes. F1 fans around the world can only hope that he continues to keep up his level throughout the season as the team tries to make their car more competitive.

He has generally been more positive towards approaching the problem he’s facing this season as compared to his teammate. But hopefully, all his hard work gets rewarded down the line and he can compete for his first race win in F1.