George Russell makes funny Toto Wolff request in Belgian Grand Prix radio chat

George Russell asked Toto Wolff to join Mercedes mechanics in the rain as a downpour hit the circuit moments before the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race. The British star joked that he wanted to see the team principal leave the garage and get soaked alongside his staff. 

However, Wolff admitted the rain was getting into the garage and joked he could close the doors to stay dry. The Austrian chief said over team radio: “George, do you have some wetness in the car?”

Russell replied: “I mean I’m underneath the tent. I just feel sorry for everyone in the grandstands.” Wolff added: “So what do you think? Remove the tent to have the real feeling?”

Russell commented: “I’m not too sure the mechanics would appreciate that unless you want to come and stand in the rain with us. Are you not on the grid Toto? I feel like you should be standing here.”

Race organisers had expected to run the formation lap at 17:12 (16:12 UK time) but this was eventually scrapped as the conditions worsened. TV cameras showed a drain exploding with water on the side of Eau Rouge corner while puddles were clearly visible on the side of the racing line.

Soon after, Lando Norris was told the FIA intended to restart the race after the rain had cleared. Race engineer Will Joseph told the Briton: “The latest from Niels (Wittich, race director) is that they’re expecting the rain to stay around until 16:20pm (UK time).

“At the moment they would then expect to start the race behind the safety car which clearly mandates a wet (tyre). But we are currently waiting for the weather to improve.”

A statement from the FIA read: “We’re expecting heavy rain until 17.20. We will be clearing as much standing water as possible before the start – the time for which we’ll update as soon as possible.”

The latest delay comes just hours after Saturday morning’s sprint shootout was pushed back because of a heavy rain shower.