Mercedes boss Toto Wolff 'couldn't wish for any better pairing' than George Russell and Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says he “couldn’t wish for any better pairing” than Lewis Hamilton and George Russell and is not surprised with how well the latter has started the season. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton has been outshone so far by new team-mate Russell, who has finished in the top five in all five races this season. Ad/> Russell is currently fourth in the drivers’ standings, 23 points ahead of Hamilton.

Miami Grand PrixHamilton: We haven't taken a step forward yet08/05/2022 AT 22:44 The pair were seen battling for position for the first time in Miami last time out, but Wolff is pleased with their relationship. “He has integrated very well,” Wolff said of Russell. “It is almost like he has been here forever and I’m really happy about the two of them, how they interact, how respectful they are about each other.

Leclerc crashes iconic 1974 Ferrari at Monaco Verstappen concerned by Red Bull reliability “Even the situation on Sunday where they raced each other and it was getting a bit ‘I’m not leaving any room’ and then ‘Okay, I’m going to find another way and get the position back’. “I think this is how the two of them as team-mates should race each other. So I am happy how he has settled in.

«I enjoy seeing them working together, the level is high from both of them. That has put us in a decent situation in the constructors’ championship, so I couldn't wish for any better pairing.» Russell spent two seasons with Williams before joining Mercedes this season. While he was expected to play second fiddle to Hamilton, Wolff says there was never “any doubt” that he would be a strong driver.