Toto Wolff claims George Russell's contract reneal is "super near" to being signed. Photo: RacePictures.

Wolff receives award named after F1 icon who'll 'remain a benchmark'

20:03, 08 Oct

Updated: 20:36, 08 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff will receive a Niki Award at the Sporthilfe gala on Wednesday in Vienna, named after Niki Lauda.

"His will to live, his clarity, and his resilience will always remain a benchmark for strength and resilience for me."

- Toto Wolff

The three-time Formula 1 world champion Lauda won his titles with McLaren and Ferrari, before becoming non-executive chairman at Mercedes from 2012 until his death in 2019.

He built an excellent relationship with team boss Wolff as the German team won championships with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Wolff praised Lauda's character and direct personality: "Niki Lauda was not only one of the greatest athletes of his time, but also a straightforward and steadfast personality. Above all, he was my friend, with whom I had a close and special friendship in which we experienced many ups and downs.

"Even in the most difficult moments, there was plenty to laugh about. His will to live, his clarity, and his resilience will always remain a benchmark for strength and resilience for me."

Toto Wolff smiling in the pit lane - Photo: RacePictures

The Niki award is highly prestigious in Austria and has been won by tennis player Dominic Thiem and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Sporthilfe director Gernot Uhlir is pleased to give the award to Wolff as well as fellow Austrians, Red Bull's Helmut Marko and former F1 driver Gerhard Berger.

He added: "They are three racing legends who shaped Formula 1 and continue to do so. We are also honoured that all three have agreed to accept the award personally."

Marko said: "The fact that this award bears Niki's name makes it very special for me.

"Niki was much more than just a three-time world champion—he was a fighter, a role model, and for many of us, a friend. His legacy lives on in our sport, and it is an honour to accept this award."

Berger won 10 races in Formula 1 and is pleased to win such a significant award, named after three-time world champion Lauda.

He continued: "It's always special to receive an award—especially in your own country, and even more so when the trophy is named after our F1 legend Niki Lauda."

Wolff is pleased with George Russell's consistency

Wolff is delighted to receive the award alongside Marko and Berger. His team is also on an upward trajectory on the track, as George Russell won the last race in Singapore.

Russell was praised by his boss for the British driver's improved consistency, eliminating needless errors that cost him points in F1 previously.

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