"That is on us": Wolff defends Russell after P8 in Austin
While Kimi Antonelli can clinch the title in Mexico, Mercedes is searching for the reasons behind George Russell's struggles. Team principal Toto Wolff says the responsibility lies with the team.
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The two Mercedes drivers were worlds apart at the United States Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli took his ninth win of the season, while George Russell finished only eighth after a five-second penalty. According to Motorsport-Total, the Briton was on average around eight tenths per lap slower than his team-mate in the race, who leads their head-to-head this season in both qualifying and races.
Team principal Toto Wolff mainly blames the car. The operating window of the W17 is "so difficult", he told Formula1.com, adding: "And that is on us." When the car is in the right window, Russell is quick: "When we land the car in the way that suits him, he's absolutely fast." According to Motorsport-Total, Wolff also stressed that George is a champion for everyone in the team and has won in every category.
In the standings Russell is second on 242 points, just one ahead of Lewis Hamilton (241), with Max Verstappen (236) and Charles Leclerc (233) close behind. Antonelli leads on 365 points – according to Motorsport-Total, ninth place in Mexico City on Sunday will be enough for him to win the title regardless of his rivals' results.