George Russell has identified Toto Wolff’s trust in Mercedes’ core team through its difficult seasons as an important factor in its return to the Formula 1 constructors’ championship. After securing its ninth title in Brazil, the team celebrated at Brackley and Brixworth on November 11, bringing staff together to mark that achievement and Kimi Antonelli’s first drivers’ world championship.
Trust through the difficult years
Russell said the period from 2022 to 2025 had been extremely difficult. Many of the people who had shared Mercedes’ earlier success also worked through those four challenging seasons. He praised Wolff’s loyalty and continued belief in their ability when results were disappointing.
Wolff agreed that stability was one factor, while adding that many people had also joined recently. He preferred the word “safety” for the environment he wants to provide, where staff can develop, make mistakes and speak openly.
The team principal said the finishing positions alone did not look disastrous, but the period had felt poor internally. He valued the resilience of people who stayed together and kept working, and wants that culture to support success over a much longer period.
The two factories share the celebrations
Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors’ championships from 2014 to 2021 before the technical changes of 2022 began a difficult period. Another major regulation change in 2026 provided an opportunity. The team has taken 12 victories so far this season, with both drivers contributing to the title.
A ninth constructors’ crown puts Mercedes level with Williams. The team also noted that Wolff has overseen nine such championships, matching Sir Frank Williams’ total as team principal. Drivers, management and staff from both bases joined the celebrations.
Antonelli said a drivers’ championship carries one name, but depends on the work of many people every time he gets into the car. Having progressed through Mercedes’ junior programme and entered F1 in 2025, he is the first graduate of that programme to win the F1 drivers’ championship with the works team.
Speaking at the factory, Russell also reflected on the long recovery. Continued work and learning had made it rewarding to return and see what the championship meant to everyone. He said both drivers had pushed each other during the season and helped the team move forward.
