Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff pledged to put an arm around George Russell after the driver's early exit at Spa-Francorchamps. Photo: AFP
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said he intended to put an arm around an emotional George Russell ahead of the Hungarian GP, after the driver appeared distraught following a first-lap retirement at the Belgian GP.
For Wolff, it was a bittersweet afternoon this past Sunday as Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli claimed a fighting victory — his sixth of the season — to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship to 50 points ahead of team-mate Russell.
Russell, who began the race 25 points shy of his teammate, fell to third in the title race after a collision with former teammate and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.
Speaking to Sky Sports soon after his enforced retirement, Russell blamed his car’s lack of power for his plight and accident.
