Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
Wolff backs Russell to challenge for F1 title despite Marko's doubts
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defended George Russell's title prospects after former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko said Russell might not get another chance to fight for the Formula 1 championship.
Marko said Russell had lost his status as Mercedes' leading driver to team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli is close to winning the 2026 title after taking victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old Italian has outperformed Russell this season, despite Russell having been viewed as a title favourite before the season began.
Wolff said Russell has the ability to become champion and argued that Mercedes' car does not suit him this year.
Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 and previously won championships in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
Antonelli could clinch the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, the next race; the accounts differ on the exact result or points he needs.
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff rejected Helmut Marko’s doubts that George Russell can challenge for a Formula 1 world title again.
Marko said Russell was no longer Mercedes’ number one driver and questioned whether he would get another title opportunity.
Wolff said Russell has the ability to win a championship if Mercedes provides him with a quick car.
Russell is 123 points behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who moved close to the title with a United States Grand Prix win.
The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled for 30 October to 1 November, with Antonelli close to securing the championship.
- Who
- Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko and Mercedes driver George Russell.
- What
- Wolff rejected Marko’s doubts that Russell will have another chance to win the Formula 1 title.
- When
- Wolff responded after the United States Grand Prix in October 2026.
- Where
- The comments followed the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
- Why
- Marko questioned Russell’s future title prospects after team-mate Kimi Antonelli outperformed him this season.
Toto Wolff
Helmut Marko
Russell’s title prospects
Toto Wolff
Wolff said Russell has what it takes to win a championship if Mercedes gives him a quick car.
Helmut Marko
Marko doubted Russell would get another chance at the world title.
Russell’s place at Mercedes
Toto Wolff
Wolff rejected Marko’s assessment of Russell’s prospects and said the car does not suit him.
Helmut Marko
Marko said Antonelli had taken the number-one driver spot from Russell.
Marko said Antonelli had taken the number-one driver spot from Russell and questioned Russell’s future title chances.
Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix in Austin, moving close to securing the championship.
Wolff rejected Marko’s doubts and said Russell could win a championship with a quick car.
The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled to take place.
- Russell’s points gap
- 123 points behind Kimi Antonelli
- Antonelli’s age
- 20 years old
- United States Grand Prix
- Antonelli won in Austin
- Next scheduled race
- Mexican Grand Prix, 30 October to 1 November
- Mercedes team chief
- Toto Wolff
3 sources
What people are saying
He has absolutely what it needs to win a championship.
Russell is no longer the number one driver.
I doubt whether he'll ever have another chance at the world title or be given number one status anywhere.