Toto Wolff reacts to George Russell missing pole position at Italian Grand Prix

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reacted with frustration during the qualifying session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix on Friday. As the final timing screens confirmed that George Russell lost the top grid spot to Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, Wolff slammed his fists onto a console in the Mercedes garage. The incident was captured on video and verified by team staff who checked the hardware following the outburst. Russell secured a second-place start on the front row after experiencing a compromised final lap. Wolff later clarified that his reaction stemmed from the belief that Russell possessed the quickest car during the session. Despite his initial frustration, the team principal expressed satisfaction with the performance of Alpine and acknowledged their result.

• 6:30 PMYahoo Sports — Wolff smashes Mercedes computer screen as Russell denied Italian GP Pole Position
• 4:59 PMMotorsport.com — Mercedes pokes fun at Toto Wolff after angry Italian GP qualifying moment
• 4:24 PMYahoo Sports — Toto Wolff Explains Why He Smashed a Desk Over George Russell’s Monza Heartbreak