Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff almost called on reserve driver Valtteri Bottas to replace George Russell at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Russell missed Thursday's media obligations due to an illness, though he did take part in all of the race sessions.

Despite not feeling well, Russell came in second place, bringing home a solid run of points and still finishing ahead of his teammate, Kimi Antonelli.

After the race, Wolff said he almost had Bottas step in for Russell.

"Really, really unwell with a fever. On Friday, it was really close — we almost put Valtteri in, because George said he didn't think he could do it," he said to the media.

"Then he took some medication, and it got better. I forced him to wear a mask up there, so he wouldn't infect everyone. And he did."

From Louis Vuitton t

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