Toto Wolff's Radio Post Interviewed Amid George Russell's 'Audition' To Be 'No.1'

George Russell is auditioning to become Mercedes’ new No.1 driver but is under pressure, it has been claimed.

Russell is seventh in the F1 standings, one place ahead of outgoing teammate Lewis Hamilton whose absence in 2025 will give the young driver a chance to play a bigger role.

But admitting his mistakes at last weekend’s F1 Canadian Grand Prix – which cost him a chance at victory, even though he finished encouragingly on the podium – has raised eyebrows.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said “focus George, focus” via team radio in a headline-grabbing intervention.

“I agree with the sentiment that the team can play an important role in calming down their driver, making him more confident and secure, so he may not push too hard or overwork,” Naomi Schiff told the Sky F1 podcast.

“At the same time we are talking about Formula 1 and it is a dog eat dog world.

“The teams will look for the best driver possible.

“If they feel like Max Verstappen is available, or could be, then they would be foolish not to try to get him involved.

“George will understand that, even though it can be frustrating.

“Maybe that’s why he’s pushing so hard.” He asks himself “what can I do to prove that I’m enough – we have a moment here to potentially get a win, which we haven’t had the chance to do for many months, could this to be the only thing I could do.” to calm them down and turn their heads away.”

“Every track performance is an audition for drivers to prove themselves in any way possible – whether it’s to land a contract or be considered the No. 1 driver.

“Every last ride is what people remember. So I understand why George is putting himself under pressure.

“When Toto came on the radio, I thought ‘gosh’. When my team leaders came on the radio, it made me fear God!

“I was thinking ‘what have I done?’

“I don’t know if it’s useful. Maybe he needed that calming voice, someone to tell him to refocus.

Russell emerged in the same generation as Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and co.

But Mercedes’ struggles over the past three seasons have prevented him from taking the big step forward that his talents make him capable of.

“He won in F2 and beat most of those drivers,” Schiff said.