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We laugh and point out how RedBull deals with their second driver and how Alpine treats their junior drivers and the numerous reserve driver.

But we never really pay attention to Mercedes and their management.

Esteban Occon was the first merc junior and he had/still has Toto as his manager. I am not very aware of him but I heard Merc did not really make it easy for him.

Now all these contract saga arround George. How he was never truly protected by the team even though he is managed by them.

They are his owner.

George holds little to no power. He has a 10 years contract with Toto (Idk when it started and when it's going to end).

What about Kimi? What kind of deal was he dealt with? He's still so young.

#rant

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I believe this deserves more notice. In a few years this little boy might follow George and become his teammate ✨

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This seems possible as Toto and Mercedes are not doing enough to protect or shield George. He is always on his own, taking hit after hit from other teams, drivers, media, even from Toto. Do they want to break George's morale?

I don't know if you noticed but there was a clip of George, Toto and Jack in a gym. George had his hands behind his back and was looking down. In that video it looked like, George was getting scolded? Like Toto was saying things that might be negative and George had no other choice but to take it.

There's another scenario in DTS after Belgian Grandprix (maybe). Toto calls George aside and gives me him pat on the back. Then said around the words like he was proud of him and talked about contracts?

Do you remember their boat ride set after silverstone? The talk with Susie where they were looking for a leader and it was Susie who mentioned George who said that George needs a chance, that he has been under Lewis's shadow.

So many moments are coming to me right now.

The relation between George and Toto is not strictly professional. George had known that man since he was 15 and it was that man who had given him the chance to follow his dreams when he was just a teen.

No wonder George trusts that man and so sure that "Toto always keeps his words to me."

It was Toto who had given wind to George's wings for him to fly.

Journalist Julianne Cerasoli was speaking on the Pit Pass F1 Podcast ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Discussing Russell’s potential new deal, Cerasoli said: “I think with George Russell, I think everybody wants George Russell to ask for less money.

“For Toto Wolff and Mercedes, with the negotiations, the British journalists were saying that they expect George Russell to receive a new proposal from Mercedes next week or anytime between this Grand Prix and the next one in Belgium, there is a little bit of a gap there.

“I think negotiations will go back to George’s side, at least for next year’s contract, in the next few days.

“But everybody seems to be trying to devalue George Russell, who has been having a very good season at the moment.”

Team principal Toto Wolff is in the position of power right now, with Russell having very few options outside of Mercedes if he has to move on should Verstappen join the Silver Arrows next year.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is ready to make an offer for Russell should Verstappen leave, but that scenario seems to be a long way off at this stage.

Yeah it’s clearly a money matter and once again, George should 100% not accept an offer that makes him feel devalued just because next season mercedes could “potentially” be the team with the better engine.

What is the point to take a shit deal when Mercedes still makes these kind of shit strategic choices after what, four? Five? Years of doing the same.

Engine is key, but not the whole deal. There are no guarantees mclaren won’t be the place to be next season.

and it seems to me like mercedes has been trying to cut corners, lately, to desperately find a way back to the top. And it just doesn’t work that way.

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Possibly the last interview of Ex Redbull TP Christian Horner during Silverstone,2025 before he got fired from his post effective immediately.

Max is currently third with 165 points. George is in 4th position with 147 Points. The difference is only 18 with Belgium GP coming up on July 27. There are two races before the summer break Belgium GP and Hungary GP. The future will be decided by then I assume, if it is not already decided.

Oh, He had no idea.

And what did the Redbull contemplate? A team without Max or a team without him?

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Taken from many articles published during the departure (2014-15)

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4/4

2025 Formula 1 Season

Bahrain Testing // After 12 Races into the season

George has always been right. He was being ridiculed for making that statement. But after half of the season, Max has two wins and George has One.

Maclaren should have won every race but they did not.

As for self prophecy, he has already said

2023 start of the season // end of the season

abu dhabi 2024 // spain 2025

abu dhabi 2024 // july 2025

...

3/3...

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What is this about!!

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part 1 (lewis-centric)

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George Russell Is Stepping Into His Leading Man Era: "I Feel Confident in the Team"

The Formula One driver and 'F1' movie star talks helmet hair, James Bond, and his future at Mercedes.

By Crystal Bell 

Published on June 27, 2025 @ 10:22AM

George Russell isn’t camera-shy. A few hours before the world premiere of the Brad Pitt-led F1 movie (out now), in which Russell makes a cameo, the Mercedes driver, 27, is posing with fans in the middle of Times Square. His honey-brown hair is perfectly tousled, his piercing blue eyes even more striking in person. He’s tall, charming, and unmistakably British, the kind of guy who could easily inspire a Taylor Swift lyric.

Of course, he’s had practice. As one of the breakout personalities on Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Russell has grown increasingly comfortable with life in the spotlight. But he’s fresh off a very different kind of attention: a win at the Canadian Grand Prix, his fourth career victory, and a result that’s sparked talk of him being this season's dark horse. In a year defined by shake ups across the grid, Russell has quietly emerged as one of the sport’s most consistent drivers. 

Less than 24 hours after taking the checkered flag in Montreal, Russell hopped on a flight to New York and sat down with InStyle before heading straight to the red carpet. After that? Another flight, this time for some well-earned rest before the Austrian Grand Prix this upcoming weekend.

Now in his seventh year on the F1 grid, Russell is stepping into a new era—one where he’s no longer just Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, but Mercedes’ leading man. And according to him, he’s just getting started.

Congrats on your win yesterday at the Canadian Grand Prix! How'd you celebrate? You didn't have much time to. By going to New York. We live such a fast-paced lifestyle. Unfortunately, you sometimes don't have time to celebrate, which is a bit of a shame. But there are other times when you do. The last victory we had was in Vegas [at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix]. We had a big celebration there. Here we didn't. The celebrations were slightly muted because we're also in the middle of the season. Of course, one victory is great. Our aspirations are far greater. So our mind is still very much in the game to achieve more of these.

I saw some clips of your Champagne shower go viral. I've always been curious: What is that sensation like?  It's a very special moment. Because you're living this moment with your whole team, who have contributed to this result, and then you're all feeling this emotion of happiness, excitement, and relief. And it's like, you know, popping the Champagne has been quite a thing in Formula 1. And when you're doing that with your whole team and fully going for it, it makes the moment quite memorable. 

It's sticky, though, right?  It's very sticky. I did try to run off a little bit yesterday because Toto [Wolff]'s plane is quite nice, and if I rocked up covered in Champagne, he'd probably be upset. 

I did see that clip of you leaving your teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who scored his first career podium, to fend for himself.  Yeah, a little bit. He's the new kid on the block. So I wanted to let him enjoy the moment. 

A lot of people say you're one of, if not the most consistent, driver on the grid. You finished in the top five in a majority of races this season. How do you feel about that title?  I don't feel anything really, because it doesn't mean an awful lot. I'm just going about my business, and I'm happy with how I'm performing. I don't think I've ever performed stronger. The results are showing, and you've to base your conclusions on the potential of the car. And the potential of the car in Montreal was to win, and we won. Other races, the car's potential was fifth, and we finished third, so we outperformed its potential. Some of our rivals, despite the potential of their cars, are not winning. So that is how I judge my performance. I'm fourth in the championship. That is not where I want to be, but we have delivered the maximum potential of our car more than others have. 

The F1 fandom has undergone significant changes over the last five years. It's become a lot younger. More women are fans of F1. There's also a thriving internet ecosystem surrounding it, with numerous memes, edits, and similar content. As a driver who has been in the seat for a few years now, have you felt that shift firsthand? It's been an immense shift over the last few years. It all came together at once; we'd all lived through the challenges of COVID, the lack of social interaction, and the lack of entertainment. And then Drive to Survive was present. Formula 1 was the first sport back, which, considering the logistical challenges we face, is a pretty impressive statement. And then the 2021 season was, obviously, an amazing season. All of those factors have made the sport what it is today. Seeing the movie coming out now, and the partnerships with the likes of Disney, Formula 1 is not only booming, but I feel it's gonna stay here for a long time. 

You're here in New York for the film's premiere. You're in the film. Between Drive to Survive and this movie, I feel like you're constantly surrounded by cameras in the paddock. What's that like? It's so common now that we forget they're even there. I think [with] Netflix, some drivers felt a bit of their privacy invaded when you have the camera and the microphone boom in your face for every conversation you have. But it's given the sport a whole new dynamic, whereby fans love seeing our personalities and what really goes on in our lives.

Speaking of the fans, I'm sure you've seen the memes. You're quite meme'd on the internet. What are your thoughts about it?  I think it's great. Part of British humor is taking the Mickey out of yourself, and that's basically what the memes have always been. I'm never shy about being sarcastic or having a bit of a dry sense of humor. I enjoy the memes.  I feel like you're one of the drivers who enjoys doing these interviews. Some drivers, not so much.  I always try to put a positive spin on things. And it's an easier way to showcase who you are in front of an interview, as opposed to, sometimes on social media when you're hidden behind a camera and you're posting photos, it's quite easy to portray something different to the reality in a positive or negative way, whereas whenever I'm doing a TV interview, I always feel I can be a bit more myself.

One of your post-race TV interviews that gets shared almost every race weekend is the iconic "he lashes out in unnecessary anger and borderline violence." How do you feel about that clip now?  All publicity is good publicity. I don't really have any feelings about it. That's what I said. That's what I meant. And you can then use it in whichever context you desire. I'm glad people are making use of it. 

You mentioned that you feel better than ever this season, and the results are showing it. What is it that changed for you? Not a huge amount, to be honest. You just learn through experience, and you nail in on the details of certain things. You're looking for those last half-a-percent in small areas, and I feel more rounded as a driver. I haven't made any mistakes this year. My pace has been really strong. My race starts have been good. I feel confident in the team. They trust in me. I trust in them. There's just good harmony within the team right now.

You're also the senior driver on the team this year. Do you feel a change in the dynamic? And how have you approached that? Naturally, there is a change, because Lewis [Hamilton] had achieved so much for the team and so much for himself. There's such a long-standing relationship with the team and him that when you have something new, such as Kimi [Antonelli], it sort of started from a clean slate, and things feel a little bit calmer in between now and a bit more rational, maybe.

And, of course, when you've achieved the success that Lewis has achieved, anything other than a championship fight is a total failure. So, of course, tensions were high for him because he's also coming to the end of his career, whereas now, you know, I'm 27, but I still feel I've got a good 10 to 15 years left in me. Kimi is right at the beginning of his career, so we're viewing things slightly differently.  The fans seem to like the brotherly relationship between you and Kimi this season.  I definitely feel like the older brother, no doubt about that. But it's a very nice relationship we've got at the moment. And it's working. Kimi is bringing good energy to the team. He's bringing youth. And for myself, it's my fourth year on the team, and I feel very close with everybody, and it has given me the confidence to speak up slightly more and to be more myself.  I know you're about to get ready for this red carpet premiere. How would you describe your style in three words?  Understated. I will always try to dress in a timeless fashion. I'm not looking to stand out. So, understated, timeless, and British. 

What does that mean? How do you dress British?  James Bond is British. David Beckham is British.

They are very different, no?  They are different, but David Beckham, over the last five years, is more aligned with James Bond than he was 20 years prior. That is probably more my style.

So, not David Beckham in a sarong? No. Maybe one day.  How do you think other people perceive your style?  They'll probably say boring, to be honest. But I like dressing smart. I like to come across well. That's where I feel most comfortable. I like to put the effort in, but I'm not trying to go over the top. I'm not trying to wear wacky stuff. I'm just trying to be myself. 

Over the last two or three years, it seems like you’ve been investing more in your personal style—even your hair has become a bit of a signature. Do you think that shift came with age, or was it about feeling more confident in expressing yourself? I've progressed a lot in the last two years, but probably in two years' time, I'll look back where I am now and say, ‘What was I thinking?’ When you grow older, you learn more about yourself. Of course, for me, a couple of years ago, my first year with Mercedes alongside Lewis, you can argue it was daunting in some regards, probably more from the things off the track than on the track, because the on-track stuff is where I feel most confident, and that's where I feel myself. But he was a worldwide superstar, so that came with its challenges being alongside him, but now I just feel confident in myself.

F1 drivers are increasingly being viewed as celebrities, and you do hold a lot of influence. Do you ever feel like a celebrity?  No, not at all. Since getting to know celebrities like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Beckham, when you spend time with these individuals, you recognize they are normal people. They are extremely good at what they do and the very high-profile things they do, but they are ordinary people who do the same things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as the majority of us, and go to bed like the majority of us, and do all of these things that we all do. And that's why, now that I'm in the public eye, I don't feel any different. I still have my girlfriend, [Carmen Montero Mundt], who was with me from the beginning, and my friends who were there from before F1; that helps keep me grounded a bit.

Since you mentioned working alongside Brad Pitt in this film, some of the other drivers said you're the best actor on the grid. Is that a possible future career for you?  Some people put me forth for the James Bond gig, so maybe post-career, I'll consider it. The James Bond franchise is one of my favorite movie series. That's what I used to watch with my dad when I was a kid, and being patriotic, you love James Bond. So never say no. 

Lastly, I need to know how you protect your hair under your helmet. Because your hair always looks perfect.  I put a bit of wax and a bit of spray in my hair. The norm. I've actually started wearing a headband before I drive to help flick the hair back. And when I put the balaclava on, the hair sits backwards, so when I take it off, it flicks back up into place. It depends on how much I've been sweating or not, but generally, my helmet hair is alright.

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2025 BRITISH GP : Friday

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Why I Truly Believe George Russell Will Stay at Mercedes.

I know rumors are everywhere, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by people saying George will be replaced. But after looking at the full picture — logically and strategically — I genuinely believe George is not going anywhere. Here’s why:

1. He’s more than just a driver — he’s Mercedes’ long-term project. George has been part of the Mercedes family since his junior days. He’s not someone they picked off the market — he was developed and managed by Mercedes from the start. He’s been with them through the tough ground-effect era since 2022, and no one understands the current car’s DNA better than him.

2. Mercedes is entering a critical transition — and they need George. With new regulations coming in 2026, the team must rely on someone who knows their systems inside out. If Lewis is gone, and Max + Kimi are new, who carries the technical continuity?

The answer is: George.

You don’t throw away the one person who understands how the past connects to the future.

3. George is calm for a reason. In every interview, he sounds grounded, honest, and confident. When asked if he’s talking to other teams:

“No. I’m loyal to Mercedes. That’s where my future lies.”

If something was truly wrong, he wouldn’t be this relaxed. This isn’t denial — it’s clarity.

4. Toto Wolff isn’t dumb — and this is bigger than feelings. Even without bringing up their personal closeness, it simply doesn’t make sense for Mercedes to drop George. He’s consistent, he performs, he doesn’t bring drama, and he’s deeply integrated into the team’s culture.

Replacing him would be a massive strategic risk, not a smart business move.

5. Negotiation ≠ Exit

If George really rejected a 1+1 contract, that shows strength — not rejection. It means he values his role and wants a proper long-term deal, not to be treated like a temporary option.

People say “loyalty doesn’t matter in F1.” But I think value still does. And George brings value you can’t just replace.

He’s not the past.

He’s not a placeholder.

He is the bridge to Mercedes’ future.

I’ll stand by him through whatever happens, but until something official changes, George Russell is a Mercedes driver. And he deserves to be.

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Alex: George is somehow underrated, I'm not just defending a friend here. Int.: He would have said the same about you. Alex: I don't know a driver who can beat a seven-time world champion and still be not sure of a seat... as much as Kimi's getting praise, George is still beating him pretty convincingly... even if he wasn't my friend I'd still be saying the same words.

There's morrrrrrre.

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The pole lap in Silverstone.

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GEORGE RUSSELL: I WILL DIE YOUR DRIVER

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Then he continues with this. The same thing he has been saying from the very start of the season.

It is so unfair that he has to go through similar situations again, and again and again.

Taken from the article of George winning GP3 as Merc Junior.

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imagine you were a small boy in king’s lynn. your parents are well-off but they’re not rich enough for the kinds of things you want to accomplish. so you put on a suit at fourteen and you make a presentation. A List of Reasons Why You Deserve To Achieve Your Dreams. your parents are too busy to be grown-ups, so you become one. you learn to sell yourself at a young age, because the dream you want is a bussiness at the end of the day. it’s cut throat and bitter and you learn to play by its rules. you learn that you must have value to be worth anything.

you learn that love is a transaction.

so you become good. so good. you win every single race and championship so that everybody has to love you. your reward? a car that’s so bad that you cry when you get your first points. your dream becomes a grind, day-in and day-out. even when you’re so close, you’re so far from winning. but it’s ok, because the promise is that you will one day be in a car that has eight championships, racing alongside one of your heroes. so you have that hunger to prove something. when they call you up for even one race, you’re dynamite. you’re so close to winning, but just like all things in your life, you’re unlucky again. and when you finally make it to that car, your Promised Land, you find the Land is barren. destitute. an illusion. still, you cannot give up on your dream, even when you’re hated by the people whose love you crave. your country has its favourites and it’s not you. but you believe and believe, because no one has ever believed in you and if you don’t, who will? even you get a rookie wonder boy who gets all the things you never did, you believe. and suddenly, the car is finally good. you taste champagne again, stand on that prized first step. but then. in your home, in your country, you realize the car was never for you.

and you realize that love is still a transaction.

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if i had a nickel every time an italian media tries to hit George with bullshit lies in the month of June-July i would have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice consecutively

2024 2025