Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has backed George Russell to bounce back after former Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko suggested the Briton would never recover from being outshone by teammate Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli leads Russell by 123 points at the top of the Formula One standings with 125 available after winning Sunday’s US Grand Prix in Texas. The Italian can become the sport's youngest-ever champion in Mexico City this weekend and the first from his country since 1953.

The 20-year-old has claimed nine wins in his second season compared to three for Russell, who entered the year as bookmakers' favourite.

"Russell is no longer the number one driver," Marko, who left Red Bull last year, told Sky Germany prior to Sunday's US Grand Prix, where Antonelli won from pole as Russell finished eighth following a five-second penalty.

Toto Wolff defended George Russell (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

"Antonelli has quite clearly taken that spot from him...…