Sports · Motorsport · 59 mins ago
Russell credits Wolff’s loyalty for Mercedes’ return to the top
George Russell credits Toto Wolff’s loyalty to Mercedes staff for helping the team return to the top of Formula 1.
Mercedes won its ninth constructors’ title at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, its first since its run of eight straight titles ended in 2021.
The team struggled with ground-effect cars from 2022 to 2025, despite finishing second in two of those seasons.
Russell said the team kept the same people through the difficult years as well as its successful ones.
Wolff said Mercedes aims to offer staff a safe, supportive place to work, where they can speak up and make mistakes.
He also said the title belongs to Russell as much as anyone; Russell is third in the drivers’ standings, 17 points behind Max Verstappen, with three races left.
George Russell credited Toto Wolff’s loyalty to Mercedes staff for helping the team return to the top of Formula 1.
Mercedes clinched its ninth constructors’ title at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, its first since 2021.
The team struggled during the ground effect era from 2022 to 2025.
Russell said the people who worked through the difficult years were the same people who had been there during the team’s successful period.
Wolff said stability mattered, while also describing a workplace culture that allows staff to speak up and make mistakes.
- Who
- Mercedes driver George Russell credited team principal Toto Wolff for maintaining loyalty to staff.
- What
- Mercedes won its ninth constructors’ title, and Russell said Wolff’s loyalty helped the team return to the top.
- When
- At the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday; the article was published on November 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Sao Paulo Grand Prix, at Interlagos.
- Why
- Russell said Wolff’s belief in the team’s people through difficult seasons helped Mercedes recover.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mercedes’ run of eight consecutive constructors’ titles ended.
Mercedes struggled to overcome the challenges of the ground effect cars.
Mercedes sealed its ninth constructors’ title, its first since 2021.
Motorsport.com published Russell’s comments about Wolff’s loyalty.
- Constructors’ titles
- Mercedes sealed its ninth at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
- Previous title
- Mercedes’ last constructors’ title before this win came in 2021.
- Difficult period
- 2022 to 2025.
- Russell’s championship position
- Third, 17 points behind Max Verstappen with three races left.
What people are saying
Credit to everybody in the team, but huge credit to Toto for that loyalty and belief in the people, even when times were tough.
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