Wolff lauds Russell’s driving as ‘from another planet’ after Las Vegas Masterclass

George Russell delivered a sensational performance under the lights in Las Vegas, converting his pole position into a commanding victory and leading a Mercedes 1-2 finish. Team Principal Toto Wolff was effusive in his praise for Russell, calling his driving “from another planet,” as the Briton held off fierce competition to clinch the win.

Mercedes Crushes the Field in Vegas

The cooler conditions in Nevada seemed to suit the W15, as Mercedes established dominance from the outset. While Lewis Hamilton topped the first two practice sessions, Russell took control in FP3 and then grabbed pole position in qualifying.
Despite Hamilton’s disappointing Q3 session, which left him starting 10th on the grid, he delivered a stellar recovery drive to secure P2, marking Mercedes’ first 1-2 finish since the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Wolff reflected on the team’s performance: “Today we really crushed everyone—dominant. We could have gone easily faster. At times we were two seconds quicker than everyone else.”

The Silver Arrows’ exceptional pace in high-speed, cooler conditions showcased the car’s strengths, though Wolff acknowledged that warmer tracks remain a challenge for the W15.

Russell’s Resilience and Hamilton’s Charge

Russell faced significant pressure in the opening stages, particularly from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, whose straight-line speed posed a threat. Yet, Russell’s defensive driving was immaculate, allowing him to maintain control and manage the race to perfection.

Hamilton, meanwhile, delivered a vintage drive, carving his way through the field. His charge included an eye-catching overtake on long-time rival Max Verstappen, underscoring the Briton’s prowess in wheel-to-wheel battles.

Wolff highlighted both drivers’ performances: “George’s defending from Leclerc was spectacular, and Lewis came from P10 with a super strong car, finishing just five seconds behind George—chapeau.”

Looking Ahead

Despite celebrating Mercedes’ victory, Wolff extended congratulations to Max Verstappen, who had already secured the championship. He made it clear, however, that Mercedes is determined to mount a stronger challenge in 2025: “Finally, congratulations to Max Verstappen on winning the title; he is a deserving champion, and we hope to take the fight to him next year.” The Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be a resounding success for Mercedes, reigniting hopes of a more competitive 2025 campaign.