George Russell tipped as 'championship winner' as Toto Wolff gets damning verdict

Juan Pablo Montoya believes that could deliver a Drivers' Championship title this season, but is being let down by his machinery. The Brit has already accumulated three podiums this season despite having the dominant car. Russell started the 2025 campaign in style, finishing behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to clinch P3 in Melbourne, before replicating that result in Shanghai with one of the most impressive performances of the season so far.

He has yet to finish below fifth in the three races that have taken place since. Such strong performances have caught the attention of pundits and other team principals, and Russell is still only 26 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri in the Drivers' Championship standings. Tellingly, he is 26 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in fifth, and 42 to the good on former team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

"Yes, George Russell has championship potential because of his speed," Montoya told . "He drives fast, he's smart, and he stays out of trouble. He could be a championship winner if he had the best car. But he wouldn't be an underdog champion like Max was."

Comments like these will come as a blow to Toto Wolff, who will be cursing his team's failure to give Russell a car capable of fighting for a World Championship in 2025. Mercedes' W16 is a significant improvement on its predecessor, but McLaren's advantage appears unassailable over the course of an entire season.

Despite Russell's immense form, there is no guarantee that he will be driving for Mercedes next season. Both he and team-mate Kimi Antonelli have contracts that expire at the end of the season, and with Verstappen's future at Red Bull up in the air, Wolff is seemingly keeping his options open.

The 27-year-old understands the links between Mercedes and Verstappen. "Why wouldn't they want to sign Max? It's totally understandable," he told PA. "He's the best at the moment. He's a four-time world champion. That's not anything against me or Kimi. There's two drivers for every team, and he is one person."

The Brit went on to add: "I have got immense belief. I have been team-mates with a world champion for three years, the greatest of all time for three years (Hamilton). I believe I can beat anybody given the right chance, and that is your power."

If Verstappen does join Mercedes for the 2025 campaign, it is possible that Russell could find a new home with Red Bull. According to a report from , the Brit has already held talks with Christian Horner about his availability for 2026 and beyond.