George Russell has spoken about his close relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff during the 2026 Formula 1 championship battle.
Russell, who joined the Mercedes Junior Team in 2017 and later drove for Williams, highlighted a 12-year connection with Wolff that has grown stronger through shared challenges. He recalled standing in for Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and described the team's recent progress after four years without a title fight.
The Briton, now 28, sits third in the drivers' championship with 106 points after seven rounds. His teammate Kimi Antonelli leads with 156 points, while Lewis Hamilton holds second place with 115 points.
Russell noted the team's return to form with a 1-2 finish in Melbourne this season. He said the experience made him proud of the effort to restore Mercedes to the front of the grid.
Round 8, the Austrian Grand Prix, is scheduled for 26-28 June.
