Toto Wolff is convinced: “George Russell could have secured pole position in Mexico”

In the end, nine thousandths of a second made all the difference: after a strong performance in the third qualifying segment at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, George Russell had to settle for second place because his former team-mate Lewis Hamilton completed the 4.304 km lap just a fraction faster.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was, of course, asked about his former protégé’s first GP pole in red, and he explained: “I’m naturally delighted for Lewis. He’s still just as fast, and everything went his way today. He’s been the fastest a few times in the last couple of Grands Prix, but somehow it never quite worked out, which makes the pole he’s secured here all the more deserved.”

At the same time, the Viennese team boss emphasised: “I’m also delighted for George, because it was incredibly close. If you translate the gap onto the track, it was no more than 50 centimetres. That shows just how small the difference is.”

However, Wolff also made it clear: “Overall, though, it was a difficult qualifying session for us. It was tricky to get the tyres into the right window, and the grip was fading. That’s why the right preparation was crucial.”

Toto Wolff predicts: It will be a close race too

With regard to title contender Kimi Antonelli, who is in all likelihood set to clinch the World Championship title this Sunday, Wolff explained: “Whilst George set his fastest lap without a warm-up lap, we took a different approach with Kimi. We’ll have to look at that again and work out whether we could have optimised it better.” Antonelli had to settle for fourth on the grid.

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Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

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Mexico City: Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

01.11.2026 - 23:15

Speaking about the upcoming 19th Grand Prix of the season, the team principal of the works team with the star logo said: “The race will be a different challenge. The gaps on Friday in race set-up were just as tight as they were over a single lap. It will therefore be important to get the start, the strategy and tyre management right. We’re starting from a position where we can fight our way up. Our focus will be on running a flawless race with both cars and seeing what opportunities present themselves.”