Toto Wolff issues ‘flawless’ demand as George Russell steps up

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has set high expectations for his drivers ahead of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix. After three challenging race weekends, the Silver Arrows aim to regain momentum at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Wolff expressed renewed confidence following competitive free practice sessions in Montreal, particularly on George Russell’s side of the garage. Russell delivered strong performances throughout the practice rounds, topping the timesheets in the second session and finishing third in the final practice.

He was just 0.2 seconds behind McLaren’s Lando Norris at the close of practice, indicating Mercedes might be in contention for pole position. This circuit holds positive memories for Russell, as he clinched pole here one year ago, adding to team optimism.

Wolff highlighted the team’s significant progress but noted everything will depend on getting things absolutely perfect in qualifying. “My feeling is actually very good,” Wolff told reporters, reflecting on the close gap to Norris despite a less-than-ideal final practice run.

He praised Russell’s impressive speed in the last sector and control through the final corners, suggesting the British driver is comfortable in the W16 car heading into qualifying. Within the Mercedes lineup, Russell has consistently beaten teammate Kimi Antonelli by nearly 0.4 seconds during practice sessions.

Wolff expects Russell to carry this form into qualifying but cautioned that achieving a flawless performance will be critical. “We have the pace to get to Q2, but we have to put in a flawless lap and that’s not easy. But pole is definitely possible,” Wolff stated.

Mercedes’ recent statistics show solid race pace at this circuit, raising hopes their fortunes could turn around in Montreal. Russell’s performance positions him as Mercedes’ best shot at starting from the front, while McLaren and Ferrari remain close competitors.

The gap among the top teams is tight, with only tenths separating the fastest laps in practice. A glance at the 2025 driver standings shows George Russell sitting fourth with 111 points, trailing behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

For the teams, Mercedes are third with 159 points, while McLaren leads at 362 points and Ferrari follows with 165. With qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix scheduled soon, Mercedes will rely on precision and a strong showing from Russell to challenge for top grid positions.

Wolff has made it clear: only a flawless lap will do if Mercedes is to secure pole against intense competition. Expectations are high as the team seeks to build on their practice pace and return to the front row.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.