Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has talked about youngsters in F1, and the next generation coming into the sport.
Wolff knows a thing or two about young drivers, having completed the signing of hot young prospect George Russell for Mercedes. Russell has been touted as a future world champion, and is one of the best signings for next season.
At the IIA21 conference, Wolff talked about youngsters in F1, and the influx of new blood into the sport. He also credited Netflix’s Drive to Survive for its impact on the same.
“We can see the new generation of drivers coming up, this is why the Netflix show is also such a success. Every good team is going to have one of the top young guys and that will be interesting to follow,” Wolff said.
The Austrian then spoke about Russell, and Mercedes’ decision to go for an all-British lineup for the next season.
“He has been a winner in every racing category–and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1,” Wolff said, as reported by Formula 1’s official website.
“Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time.
“I am confident that as their relationship grows, they will form a strong team and deliver for Mercedes on and off the track in the years ahead,” he concluded.
A1 move
Mercedes’ capture of Russell was the worst-kept secret in the sport. However, let that not take away from how good a decision it is. Russell brings pace and maturity beyond his years to the German team, and the potential in the move is close to unlimited.
With the youngster in their ranks joining hands with the seven-time champion in Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes may be unstoppable on a level we have never seen before.
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