Lewis Hamilton and George Russell can play huge part in Mercedes resurgence warns Wolff | F1 | Sports

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell could be vital for Mercedes to move back towards the front of the F1 grid, according to team principal Toto Wolff’s wife Susie. She warned the team has “the resources” in place to be successful and highlighted their two drivers as key ingredients in the fight.

Wolff also stressed the importance of “damage limitation” until engineers can get on top of the issues. Hamilton secured a podium in Bahrain after the Red Bull pair retired in the closing stages.

Meanwhile, Russell followed up a fourth-place finish in Sakhir with a fifth in Saudi Arabia. The points haul has helped the silver Arrows cling on to second in the constructor’s standings despite their poor start.

Speaking to F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast, she said: “You’ve got the resources in place for it to be successful. You’ve got the greatest driver of all time in one car and a huge, huge young talent in the other car.

“I think the ingredients are there but this sport is brutal. If you have one area lacking you’re going to pay the price.

READ MORE: Wolff claims Mercedes car is ‘not quick enough’

He urged Hamilton and Russell to “be the voice” that enables Mercedes to build a car capable of challenging back at the front.

He said: “What’s actually happened is that Ferrari and Red Bull have come flying out of the blocks and there are some who might judge that George’s first couple of races have not been up to standard. I wouldn’t agree with that. I think he’s handled the car and the situation well. You can only drive the car you’ve been given.

“His next job will be, along with Lewis Hamilton, is to be the voice that enables his Mercedes team to develop a winning car.”