Russell on Mercedes team principal Wolff: “It must be the Austrian accent”

As a rule of thumb in the premier class, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff only speaks over the radio when there is something serious to reprimand or a good result to celebrate.

That’s why a few particularly attentive observers pricked up their ears when, during the thrilling final practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix, they heard the Viennese team boss say over the radio to George Russell: “George, just drive!” Hang on a minute, what was that?

Here’s what had happened: Russell was fifth fastest in Q1, but three tenths behind leader Kimi Antonelli in the other Mercedes. In Q2, the Englishman made a mistake at Turn 3 and ended up with no lap time. Now everything had to go perfectly on his second attempt.

And that was the moment when team principal Toto Wolff’s voice could be heard over the radio: “George, just drive!” Nothing before, nothing after.

What at first listen sounded like a telling-off actually had a different background, as Russell explained after securing his eleventh pole position, and he began with a little joke: “Well, it’s probably down to the Austrian accent. No, seriously – I know my boss has complete faith in me. He was the first to support me during a difficult phase of the season. When things aren’t going well, he reminds me of my strengths, along the lines of – you haven’t forgotten how to drive, you know what speed you’re capable of.”

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26.07.2026 - 17:15

“These little messages remind me of the conversations we have between races. To anyone listening without knowing the context, it might sound like a reprimand – but to me, it means something else.”