Toto Wolff has pointed out that George Russell’s status as a “Mercedes-grown talent” is a key consideration in deciding whether the British driver will be handed a new F1 deal.

Russell’s Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, lea🐼ving him in a precarious position.

Wolff has been open about his interest in signing 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Max Verstappen.

He publicly flirted with the Dutchman throughout last year as he sought a replacement for 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Lewis Hamilton.

Red Bull’s decline in form might m⛄ean that Verstappen is tempꦑted to look elsewhere.

Helmut Marko has hinted that “performance c🎃lauses” exist in Verstappen’s F1 contract.

However, Wolff was keꦬen to point out that Russell’s participation in the Mercedes junior 🅘programme is “something to be proud of,” potentially suggesting that they will remain loyal to one of their own drivers.

“George is a Mercedes driver, so we love having in the team,” Wolff said after the race in C🔥hina.

“He’s a junior driver a✤nd a Mercedes-grown talent. That’s something to be proud of, and this is where my consideration goes.”

Wolff heaps praise on “10 out of 10” Russell

Since the start of last year, Russell has been one of F1’s most co♔nsistent performers.

Russell dismantled ♐Hamilton in the seven-time world champion’s final year with the team.

Russe🃏ll beat Hamilton 20-4 in the qualifying head🙈-to-head.

The former Williams driver has continued his impressive form in 2025, starting the year strongly wit🌳h back-to-back podiums.

Wolff heaped praise on Russell af✅t꧒er his Chinese GP performance.

“George is a warrior in the car and ou🍸tside of the car,” Wolff said. “And that was only the beginning of the praise he shared for his d🐻river.

“I never give 10 out of 10 bec♑ause I think there is always better,” Wolff said. “We haven’t seen the perfꩵect race.

“But considering the circumstances that George had today, it is a 10 out of 10 because he extract🌱ed the maximum of this car, the tyres, the strategy, and it was a brilliant drive.”

“Little was said of George,” he added. “I always said that that’s not right, because he’s one of the top drivers out there. If you want me to name thr💧ee that

“I consider to be the🐻 top𝓰, he’s absolutely among those three, if not top two. And maybe on his way to top one.”