A surprising and previously unknown incident has been revealed by Toto Wolff, the Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes Formula One Team. During an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, the Austrian manager shared a story involving Finnish Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen and young British driver George Russell at the 2018 FIA Prize Giving Gala.
The event, held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is usually a formal and highly polished affair, organized annually by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to honor the champions of its various racing series. However, the 2018 edition became particularly memorable due to Kimi Raikkonen’s antics both on and off the stage.
Kimi Raikkonen’s eccentric behavior at the 2018 FIA Gala
That year, Kimi Raikkonen attended the gala as the third-place finisher in the Formula 1 World Championship, driving for Scuderia Ferrari. Raikkonen, who had already built a reputation for his unpredictable behavior, appeared to have enjoyed more than a few drinks before the event. His unfiltered personality and alcohol-fueled demeanor resulted in several hilarious and bizarre moments—from his arrival at the venue to the audience seating area, backstage interactions, and his eventual appearance on stage to collect his trophy.
Videos and photos of the Finnish driver, visibly intoxicated and behaving in an uninhibited fashion, quickly went viral across social media, becoming part of the internet’s collection of unforgettable Kimi Raikkonen moments.
Toto Wolff reveals what happened backstage with Raikkonen and Russell
Among the many images taken that evening, some show Kimi Raikkonen posing alongside George Russell, who had just been crowned FIA Formula 2 Champion, and Toto Wolff himself. Until now, no one knew what took place behind the scenes. But in the ORF interview, Toto Wolff decided to reveal a personal and “slightly embarrassing” episode that occurred during that gala.
“It’s a bit of an embarrassing story, but that’s how it went,” said Toto Wolff. “I grew up in a tough environment where sometimes you had to stand up for yourself. We were in Saint Petersburg for the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony, and one of the Formula 1 drivers—Kimi Raikkonen, to be precise—insulted George Russell, even though he had just won the Formula 2 Championship.”
Toto Wolff went on to explain that he reacted instinctively in defense of the young British talent: “At that point, I had to punch him, and that was the end of it. I would do anything for my family or for my team. If necessary, I will always try to protect them. And in turn, I need the support of my people.”
George Russell’s rise and Wolff’s loyalty
At the time, George Russell had just completed a dominant season in Formula 2, securing the title and earning a future seat in Formula 1. He was part of the Mercedes junior driver program, with Toto Wolff as one of his strongest backers. Russell later joined the Williams Racing team for the 2019 F1 season before being promoted to a full-time race seat at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2022.
Toto Wolff’s story highlights the fierce loyalty and protective instinct he feels for those under his wing—whether young drivers like George Russell or members of the Mercedes Formula 1 team. It also sheds new light on a long-speculated tension between Wolff and Kimi Raikkonen, who remains one of the most unique personalities in the sport’s history.
Leave a Reply