Mercedes driver George Russell turns 25 today, heading into his 5th season in Formula One with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Team. Russell was born and bred in King’s Lynn, a true British boy at heart.
Williams debut
George made the step into F1 in 2019 after securing both the 2019 Formula 2 and 2018 Formula 3 titles in his rookie season. He would make his debut for the Williams team alongside returning racer Robert Kubica on a 3 year deal.
George would go on to breath life back into a forgotten Williams team, scoring their first podium since 2017 at the 2021 Belgian GP. He proved his speed when stepping in for Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, narrowly losing the win due to a late puncture forced him to pit.
George Russell said goodbye to the team that shaped him as he signed with reigning world champions Mercedes AMG Petronas for the 2022 season.
The Era of Mercedes
George joined the team 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to form an all British line up for 2022. Expectations were high for the man from King’s Lynn and he was quick to show just why he deserved to be in the silver arrow.
Over the 2022 season, George added 8 podiums to his tally and took his first Formula One win in Brazil. He held off a fast charging Verstappen to finish the sprint race out front before battling against hits teammate for the Grand Prix win.
George would finish the 2022 season with 275 points and 8 podiums, narrowly missing out on a top 3 championship finish but beating his more experienced teammate. In his opening season for the 8-time constructors champions he proved his worth and solidified himself as a future championship contender.
What’s next for 2023?
George remains with Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton for the 2023 season, welcoming reserve driver Mick Schumacher. He remains the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association alongside his full tim race seat, speaking on behalf of all 20 drivers and voicing their concerns.
The 2023 season will see the F1 circus travel to 23 venues across the world, returning to old circuits and new. Russell will look to capitalise on the momentum from his 2022 season as the Mercedes’ team wish to return to their winning ways.
[Featured Image courtesy of WTF1.com]